“A Tough Decision” Gov. Kristi Noem Defends Shooting Her Dog as a Protective Measure
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) defended killing her puppy, Cricket, because he was “vicious.” During a Sunday interview on Meet the Press, host Peter Alexander asked Noem if the story about her shooting a dog hurt her chances of being Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate.
“You know, I would say that that was a story from 20 years ago about me protecting my children from a vicious animal,” Noem replied. “And any mom in those situations, when you have an animal that’s viciously killing livestock and attacking people, it’s a tough decision.”
“And if you read the book, a lot of what got reported was not the truth, was not the truth on the story,” she continued. Alexander also pressed Noem on the claim that she met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
“There was no evidence that that meeting happened,” Alexander noted. “So how did it make it into your book, Governor?” “I’m not going to talk about that,” Noem insisted. “I took that line out of my book, and I’m not going to talk about it.”
Noem’s remarks have sparked controversy and debate about her past actions and the veracity of her published claims. While she emphasized the protective nature of her decision to shoot the dog, critics argue about the ethics and necessity of such an action.
The issue of her purported meeting with Kim Jong Un also raises questions about the accuracy and accountability of her public statements. Alexander’s questioning aimed to clarify how an unverified claim made it into her book, suggesting possible implications for her credibility.
As Noem continues to navigate her political career and potential future roles, these incidents may influence public perception and voter trust. Her steadfast refusal to discuss the removed line about Kim Jong Un only adds to the mystery and speculation surrounding her narrative choices.
The interview highlights the complexities and challenges politicians face when past actions and statements come under scrutiny, particularly when eyeing higher office. Noem’s defense and explanations reflect her attempt to manage both her past and present image in the public eye.
