South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has made some changes to her upcoming memoir, “No Going Back,” following controversy over a story about meeting North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Noem admitted to CBS News that the anecdote should not have been included in the book and has been removed in new copies. While Noem did claim to have visited North Korea, she did not officially meet with Kim Jong Un during her time serving as a representative for South Dakota in Congress and on the House Armed Services Committee. Noem’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
The controversy surrounding Noem’s memoir comes at a time when she was being considered for a possible vice presidential nomination by former President Donald Trump. However, her chances have diminished after excerpts of her book made headlines, including a story about shooting and killing her dog, Cricket, after it attacked a neighbor’s chicken coop. Noem defended her actions, stating that she included the story in the book to be transparent about her experiences and decisions. She also compared the scrutiny she faced to that of Trump’s campaign and ongoing legal battles.
In addition to the controversy over meeting Kim Jong Un and shooting her dog, Noem also made controversial remarks about President Joe Biden’s German shepherd, Commander. Noem stated that if she were to retake the White House, her first order of business would be to remove Biden’s dog from the premises. She stood by these comments, citing the multiple biting incidents involving Commander as justification for her statement. Noem’s willingness to address controversial topics in her book and interviews has sparked debate and criticism from various sources.
Despite the backlash and scrutiny, Noem remains steadfast in her defense of her actions and statements. She has emphasized the need for transparency and authenticity in politics, stating that she did not want to be one of the “politicians who pretend to be something that they’re not.” Noem’s refusal to confirm or deny her meeting with Kim Jong Un, along with her controversial remarks about Biden’s dog, have added to the controversy surrounding her upcoming memoir and potential political ambitions. Time will tell how these events will impact Noem’s future political career and reputation.