In a surprising display of support, former President Donald Trump came to the defense of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has faced intense backlash over her revelation that she shot and killed her 14-month-old dog, Cricket.
Trump described Noem as a “terrific person” and downplayed the controversy, attributing it to a “bad week” and suggesting that ghostwriters may have contributed to the book without fully considering the implications.
Noem’s book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” has sparked outrage over her decision to shoot her dog, which she deemed “untrainable” and “dangerous.”
– Trump Dismisses Noem Backlash: ‘We’ve All Been There, Having a Bad Week’
Additionally, she faced criticism for falsely claiming to have met North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and for her comments about President Joe Biden’s dog, Commander, which has been involved in multiple biting incidents.
Despite the backlash, Trump’s praise for Noem comes as she is set to attend a fundraiser for him in Manhattan, alongside other potential vice presidential candidates.
However, CNN has reported that Noem was already no longer under consideration for the role before the controversy began. The Biden campaign swiftly responded to Trump’s comments, stating that they are “proudly anti-puppy-killing” and do not condone Noem’s actions.
The controversy surrounding Noem’s book has also highlighted her strained relations with tribal leaders in South Dakota, who have taken issue with her previous remarks about Native American communities.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Noem’s actions will impact her political future and her relationship with Trump and other Republican leaders.
