Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) lashed out during a contentious interview on FOX Business after being pressed on controversial sections of her new book, "No Going Back," including her shooting of her ranch dog.
Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) became visibly agitated during an interview on FOX Business' "Varney & Co." on Tuesday as she faced tough questions about her controversial new book, "No Going Back."
Host Stuart Varney pressed Noem on a section of her book where she described shooting her 14-month-old ranch dog after it attacked a neighbor's chickens. The revelation has drawn criticism from lawmakers and animal rights activists.
"I don't think you have the facts straight," Noem snapped at Varney. "This was a vicious, dangerous dog. That was a working dog. And I had to make a choice between the safety of my children and an animal that was killing livestock and attacking people."
Noem explained that the book includes the incident because "a lot of politicians have run from the truth. They want to try to hide from tough decisions."
Varney questioned the governor's characterization of the dog as "dangerous," as witnesses have described it as friendly and not aggressive. He also raised concerns about her use of lethal force against the animal.
"I'm proud of this book," Noem said. "I know that a lot of people are using attacks to try to take me down because they're scared of me. I have so much support and all I've done is won."
Varney continued to press Noem on the incident, prompting her to abruptly end the interview. "Enough Stuart, this interview is ridiculous, what you are doing right now. So you need to stop. It is," she said.
Noem is a potential vice presidential candidate for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Trump included Noem on his short list of candidates, which was leaked to the public.
The controversy surrounding Noem's book has raised questions about her political future and her ability to connect with voters. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told CNN that the dog story "doesn't help" her standing with voters.
Despite the criticism, Noem remains defiant. She has defended her actions and criticized those who have attacked her. "I'm not going to apologize for standing up for my family," she said.
The book has been a commercial success, reaching the top of the bestseller list on Amazon. However, it has also sparked a backlash from animal rights groups and some politicians.
The Humane Society of the United States called Noem's actions "cruel and unnecessary." The American Kennel Club said that "shooting a dog is never the right solution."
Noem has faced criticism not only for her actions but also for her decision to include the incident in her book. Critics argue that it shows a lack of empathy and compassion.
Noem's book has become a lightning rod for controversy. It has sparked debates about animal welfare, political courage, and the limits of public scrutiny of elected officials.
