Staff Reports
South Dakota’s Governor, Kristi Noem, has stirred up controversy with a passage from her upcoming book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” In the book, she recounts a story about shooting and killing her 14-month-old wirehaired pointer dog, Cricket, after it killed a neighbor’s chicken flock. This incident has raised eyebrows as she also made comments suggesting that President Biden’s dog, Commander, should not be on the White House grounds.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem came for President Biden's dog in her book, suggesting that bite-prone Commander should be treated the same way as her dog Cricket that she shot and killed. https://t.co/zBUN5bntao
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 6, 2024
In a recent interview on CBS “Sunday Morning,” Governor Noem was asked about the passage in her book where she mentioned that, if she were president in 2025, she would ensure that President Biden’s dog, Commander, would not be at the White House. She made a reference to her own dog, Foster, who she said would be welcome at the Capitol. Governor Noem then raised concerns about Commander’s behavior, citing alleged attacks on Secret Service personnel.
Following the interview, critics questioned whether Governor Noem was implying that President Biden’s dog should be put down. In response, she emphasized that her book is a collection of honest stories from her life, including difficult decisions and lessons learned. She highlighted that South Dakota law allows for dogs that attack and kill livestock to be euthanized, and she made the decision to put down Cricket due to the dog’s aggressive behavior towards people.
Governor Noem’s remarks have sparked a wave of criticism, particularly from Democrats, who have publicly displayed their support for their own dogs in response to her comments. Additionally, reports have surfaced suggesting that her chances of being chosen as a vice president for former President Donald Trump have dwindled due to the negative attention surrounding her book.
As Governor Noem’s book release approaches, her statements continue to generate mixed reactions, with some defending her actions and others condemning her views on the treatment of President Biden’s dog. The controversy surrounding her book threatens to overshadow her political aspirations and potential future roles in national leadership.
