South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem found herself in the spotlight Sunday morning during an interview on CBS Face The Nation, where journalist Margaret Brennan pressed her on a claim made in her upcoming book regarding a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Noem’s book reportedly recounts an anecdote about meeting Kim Jong Un, a claim that raised eyebrows among experts on U.S.-North Korea relations. During the interview, Brennan directly asked Noem about the alleged meeting, to which Noem responded evasively, stating she had made edits to the passage but avoided confirming or denying the encounter.
The governor’s deflection prompted further questioning from Brennan, who sought clarification on whether Noem had indeed met Kim Jong Un. Noem’s response remained ambiguous, emphasizing her extensive travels and meetings with world leaders without directly addressing the question.
Addressing the controversy, Noem’s spokesperson Ian Fury attributed the error to the book’s ghostwriter and editor, stating that Kim Jong Un’s inclusion as a world leader was a mistake that had been rectified. However, the incident has raised questions about the accuracy of Noem’s book and her credibility.
In addition to the disputed claim about meeting Kim Jong Un, Noem faced criticism over her decision to euthanize her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, due to aggressive behavior. Despite backlash, Noem defended her actions, asserting that the dog posed a danger to livestock and people, prompting her to make a difficult choice.
The controversy surrounding Noem’s book and the handling of her pet has reportedly impacted her political prospects, with speculation suggesting it may have diminished her chances of being chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate. One anonymous Republican senator cited “too much drama” as a reason for Noem’s perceived decline in favor with Trump.
As scrutiny mounts over these controversies, Noem’s responses and actions continue to come under intense scrutiny, highlighting the challenges faced by political figures in navigating public perception and maintaining credibility.
