South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faced criticism on Monday for controversial passages in her upcoming book. Among the anecdotes causing scrutiny are a false claim about a meeting with Kim Jong Un, a story involving the death of her dog, and a phone conversation with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley where Noem expressed feeling "threatened."
One particular anecdote that raised eyebrows was Noem's assertion of meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during her time in Congress. In an interview with "CBS Mornings" on Monday, Noem admitted that the anecdote should not have been included in the book and is being revised. Her publisher, Center Street, also confirmed that the passage about the meeting would be removed. Noem declined to confirm whether the meeting with Kim Jong Un actually took place, and there is no public record of her visiting North Korea or meeting with the reclusive leader.
"I've had the opportunity to meet with numerous world leaders and travel extensively," Noem stated during the "CBS Mornings" interview. "Including that anecdote was a mistake on my part."
The Governor's Controversial Statements
During a recent appearance on a national news program, the Republican governor declined to provide details about her interactions with global leaders or her travels. When asked directly about a visit to North Korea, she stated that she had been to the DMZ, the border area between North and South Korea.
Furthermore, the governor stood by her account of a troubling phone call with another prominent figure, where she felt threatened. She emphasized the importance of words and recounted how the other person insinuated that there was no space for another female Republican in the political arena.
Speculation had surrounded the governor's potential role as a running mate in a previous presidential campaign. However, recent controversies, including revelations in her new book about a difficult decision involving her pet dog, have raised doubts about her political future.
In her book, titled "No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward," the governor disclosed the emotional struggle behind euthanizing her dog, Cricket, due to behavioral issues during training.
"I wanted to make it clear that I take full responsibility for my actions," she explained.
Noem made an appearance on "CBS Mornings" the day after starting her book tour on "Face the Nation." During the interview, she addressed a passage in her book regarding President Biden's dog, Commander, known for biting individuals at the White House. In her book, Noem mentioned that if she were in the White House, she would introduce her dog, Cricket, to Commander.
She emphasized that the "president must be held accountable" for the dog's behavior, and when asked by Brennan if she was suggesting the dog should be put down, Noem reiterated, "The president should take responsibility."
Following her appearance on "Face the Nation," Noem took to Twitter to express frustration over being frequently interrupted and accused the media of bias.
