Governor Kristi Noem faces criticism before her memoir "No Going Back" is even on the bookshelves.
South Dakota Governor Noem's book faces scrutiny over dubious claims, including a meeting with North Korea's dictator and threats from Nikki Haley.
According to Politico, one of the most eyebrow-raising claims in Noem’s book involves a supposed secret meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Her spokesperson, Ian Fury, explained that some details concerning this meeting were conflated, which did not happen. The publisher is set to correct this mistake before the book hits the shelves.
Governor Noem's controversial remarks about Nikki Haley, a former U.N. Ambassador, are further sparking debates. Haley offered to mentor Noem, but the way Hale presented her advice left Noem feeling slightly menaced—a claim Haley's representative vehemently disputes, labeling the conversation as supportive.
Controversially, Governor Noem’s memoir also recounts her decision to euthanize her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, which she claimed had turned unexpectedly aggressive. This anecdote has drawn severe backlash from animal rights advocates and readers alike.
Governor Noem’s book stirs not just because of personal anecdotes but also because it highlights a rift between her and Nikki Haley over their reactions to the January 6 Capitol attack. A conversation right after the event illuminated their differing stances on support for former President Donald J. Trump.
In Noem’s recollection, this fracture was displayed publicly the day following the attack during a Republican National Committee meeting. According to Noem, while she emphasized continued support for Trump, Haley took the opportunity to distance herself.
As Haley's office said, her outreach to Noem took place a year before this RNC meeting. It aimed to provide Noem with support during her handling of COVID-19, which was largely criticized at the time.
The veracity of the events described by Governor Noem in her memoir has certainly put her in the limelight, possibly not as she intended. Comments about executing her dog and meeting foreign dictators clash with public expectations of the behavior and experiences of a sitting Governor.
Here is the recount from her book about what she thought was an ominous meeting with Kim Jong Un:
Through my tenure on the House Armed Services Committee, I had the chance to travel to many countries to meet with world leaders. I remember when I met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. I’m sure he underestimated me, having no clue about my experience staring down little tyrants (I’d been a children’s pastor, after all).
Despite these controversies, Governor Noem remains a significant figure in American politics, particularly among Conservative circles. Her stance and actions continually shape her image as a straightforward, no-compromise leader—a portrayal that “No Going Back” ostensibly aims to cement, albeit amidst swirling debates over its content accuracy and appropriateness.
To wrap up, Governor Kristi Noem’s upcoming memoir “No Going Back” has become a focal point for critics and supporters alike. The content of the memoir, ranging from alleged international encounters to personal vendettas and controversial decisions, sketches a complex figure navigating through the turbulent waters of American politics and personal morality. Whether this book will bolster her reputation or become a blemish remains to be seen once it reaches the hands of the public.
