Conservative Governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, has been making headlines with the release of her new book, “No Going Back.” While the book was intended to raise her profile as a MAGA loyalist and potential running mate for former President Donald J. Trump, the attention it has garnered has been for a different reason altogether.
One controversial aspect of the book that has sparked bipartisan criticism is the account of Noem shooting her dog, Cricket, in a gravel pit. Noem has defended her decision, stating that it was a tough choice she had to make. She even suggested in the book that one of President Biden’s dogs should be put down as well.
In addition to the dog-shooting incident, Noem’s book includes other noteworthy details, such as her criticism of fellow Republicans. She takes aim at figures like Nikki Haley and Ronna McDaniel, blaming them for the poor performance of Republican candidates in the 2022 midterms. Noem also devotes a section of the book to criticizing Republicans on the far right, whom she believes have contributed to recent election losses.
Despite the controversy surrounding the book, Noem gives a glowing portrait of Trump and hints at her future aspirations. She praises Trump as a “breaker and a builder” and defends him in the aftermath of the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. While she may be positioning herself as a potential running mate for Trump, she insists that she should be chosen based on merit, not her gender.
Overall, Noem’s book has stirred up a mix of reactions, from criticism to praise, as she navigates the political landscape in hopes of securing a prominent role in the future of the Republican Party.
