South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem recently made headlines after a contentious interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” where she clashed with host Margaret Brennan. The dispute arose during a discussion about Noem’s new memoir, “No Going Back,” particularly concerning a disputed anecdote about meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Noem reacted sharply when pressed by Brennan, pointing out that she felt unfairly interrupted and treated differently from other guests.
In the interview, which quickly went viral, Noem accused Brennan of interrupting her 36 times, a tactic she claimed was not used with other, particularly liberal, guests. She argued that there exists a double standard in media treatment of conservative figures, suggesting that such interactions fuel public distrust in the media.
The governor also addressed other controversial aspects of her book during the CBS interview and subsequent appearances. One such instance is her claim of having to euthanize an unruly dog named Cricket on her family’s farm, which she defended as a necessary, though difficult, decision given the dog’s behavior. This particular revelation has sparked significant public and political backlash, impacting her political future and perception.
Noem’s frustration with the interview’s conduct extended beyond CBS, as she discussed the matter further on Fox News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show.” She reiterated her views on media bias and recalled her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic when she chose to keep South Dakota open without mandating masks or vaccines, decisions that she felt lacked support and led to undue criticism.
Governor Noem’s experiences and outspoken responses highlight ongoing debates about media bias, the politicization of personal decisions, and the challenges public figures face when their narratives are contested. Her insistence on discussing these topics publicly reflects her commitment to addressing what she perceives as systemic issues within the media landscape.