Kristi Noem Defends Controversial Farm Practices as Vice Presidential Hopeful

South Dakota Governor and vice presidential candidate Kristi Noem has defended her actions described in an upcoming book, where she revealed that she killed a dog named Cricket and goat because of their behaviours deemed unworthy for her farm life.
Cricket was put down after being classified as “untrainable”, “dangerous to anyone she came into contact with” and “less than worthless … As a hunting dog”. Noem wrote that the dog behaved like an assassin, making it unpleasant work but necessary for her farm’s safety. She also described Cricket as being hated by herself.
Noem then revealed in excerpts obtained by The Guardian that she shot down another goat named “nasty and mean” with a disgusting smell due to its habit of chasing and knocking over her kids. Noem said these actions were not unusual on farms, stating that three horses had been put down recently after being part of the family for 25 years.
Noem’s book ‘No Going Back’, which she claimed would reveal more real stories politically incorrect enough to make media gasp, was promoted by her social media post in April. The staunch Trump supporter has acknowledged that he is considering including her on his running mate shortlist as part of speculation over her potential for the position continues.
In February’s Conservative Political Action Conference poll, Noem tied with former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to receive 15% each of voters asked about their preference between possible candidates to support Trump if he was convicted in New York hush money trial, CNN reported earlier this year. She did not comment when she spoke at the conference on whether or not she would have certified the election result had she been Vice President Mike Pence’s position during last year’s vote count.
Noem criticised other politicians who entered into 2024 Republican primary against Trump, claiming they got involved for personal benefit and a spotlight opportunity. She said that she was one of the first people to endorse former US president Donald J Trump back in 2016 while explaining her stance during an event at CPAC when asked if there were any possibilities regarding her own candidacy this year.