South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has faced a series of missteps during the 2024 campaign cycle that have impacted her chances of becoming a potential vice presidential candidate. Despite being previously considered a top candidate for the role, Noem has since fallen off former President Donald Trump’s shortlist, according to multiple Republicans familiar with the list. One recent hiccup that has put her in a negative spotlight involves her upcoming book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.”
Noem’s book has caused controversy for several reasons, including her description of the decision to euthanize a 14-month-old hunting dog named Cricket, who she felt was “untrainable.” She also mentioned shooting a goat in the book. While Noem has defended the anecdotes as examples of her ability to handle challenging tasks when necessary, the Cricket episode led to a backlash questioning her actions. A bipartisan group of members of Congress even created a Congressional Dog Lovers Caucus as a subtle dig at the governor, highlighting the negative attention her book has brought her.
Although some Republicans, like South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, have come to Noem’s defense, others, such as South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, have questioned the impact of the controversial stories on her political image. Noem has maintained that she stands by her actions, emphasizing that she made a responsible decision to protect her family and community. She has appeared on Fox News to explain her side of the story, arguing that she does not shy away from making tough decisions and facing the truth, unlike other politicians who may avoid difficult situations.
Despite her efforts to defend herself, Noem has faced criticism from within her own party, with reports that Trump privately expressed disappointment with her handling of the situation rather than the incident itself. The former president reportedly questioned why she chose to include the story in her book and how she managed the aftermath. Noem, however, remains adamant that her actions were justified and necessary, portraying herself as a leader who is willing to make difficult choices and stand by her decisions, even in the face of controversy.
As the 2024 campaign cycle continues, Noem’s missteps have raised doubts about her viability as a vice presidential candidate, particularly in Trump’s eyes. While she was once considered a top contender for the role, her recent controversies and public scrutiny have cast a shadow over her political future. Whether Noem can overcome these challenges and regain her standing as a potential running mate remains to be seen, but her handling of the recent controversies will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping her political path moving forward.
