South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is facing criticism after defending her actions described in her upcoming book where she admitted to killing a dog and goat on her family farm. The controversial excerpts were obtained by The Guardian, sparking outrage and debate over her decision to euthanize the animals.

In the book, Noem justifies her actions by stating that the dog, named Cricket, was “untrainable” and posed a danger to those around her. She describes the dog as “less than worthless” as a hunting companion and ultimately decided to put her down after an incident in which Cricket attacked a local family’s chickens and bit Noem herself.

Additionally, Noem describes shooting a goat on her farm, labeling it as “nasty and mean” with a foul odor. She explains that the goat had a habit of chasing and knocking down her children, prompting her to make the difficult decision to euthanize the animal.

In an attempt to distinguish herself from traditional politicians, Noem acknowledges that sharing these stories may not align with her political image. However, she defends her actions by stating that tough decisions like these are common on a farm.

Despite the controversy surrounding her actions, Noem remains a staunch supporter of former President Trump and has been rumored as a potential running mate on his ticket. She has garnered support from conservative groups and polls, showcasing her popularity within the Republican party.

Noem’s controversial actions and unapologetic stance have divided opinions, with some criticizing her for her treatment of animals and others applauding her transparency and willingness to make tough decisions. The upcoming release of her book is expected to stir further debate and scrutiny over her leadership style and values.

As the backlash continues to grow, Noem remains steadfast in her beliefs, positioning herself as a candidate unafraid to make difficult choices and stand by them, regardless of public opinion. The controversy surrounding her actions adds complexity to her political persona and raises questions about her suitability as a potential vice president.