South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a potential running mate for Donald Trump, faced backlash over her upcoming book “No Going Back,” where she writes about killing an unruly dog and goat. The story of the dog, Cricket, a wirehaired pointer being trained for hunting, was included to show her willingness to do difficult things. Noem defended her decision to euthanize Cricket after it attacked livestock and bit her, citing South Dakota law allowing dogs who harm livestock to be put down.
In the book, Noem also writes about killing a mean male goat that chased her kids. The excerpts drew criticism on social media, with many posting photos of their own pets in response. Noem has previously faced national attention for posting an infomercial-like video about cosmetic dental surgery she received out-of-state. Additionally, she was behind South Dakota’s anti-meth campaign with the tagline “Meth. We’re on it,” which gained attention and some mockery but was defended by Noem for raising awareness about the methamphetamine epidemic.
Noem addressed the backlash on social media, acknowledging the upset caused by the story of Cricket in her book. She stated that the book contains honest stories of her life, including difficult decisions and lessons learned. Noem emphasized her responsibility as a ranch owner and dog owner to make tough decisions, even when they are hard and painful. She referenced her commitment to following the law and being a responsible parent, dog owner, and neighbor in handling difficult situations like euthanizing a dangerous dog.
The controversy surrounding Noem’s book has led to renewed attention on her potential role in Donald Trump’s campaign, with critics using the story of Cricket and the goat to paint a negative image of the South Dakota governor. Despite the backlash, Noem has not backed down from the decisions she made regarding the unruly dog and goat in her book. She continues to defend her actions, citing the need to follow the law and take responsibility for her actions, whether on her ranch or in politics.
Noem’s previous actions, including the cosmetic dental surgery video and the controversial anti-meth campaign, have also contributed to her national profile. While these incidents have attracted attention and criticism, Noem has stood by her decisions and initiatives, portraying herself as a leader willing to take on challenging issues. As she prepares to release her book and potentially join Donald Trump’s campaign, Noem’s actions and statements will continue to be scrutinized and debated in the public eye.
