As Kristi Noem becomes the latest MAGA extremist to endorse Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential run, DNC spokesperson Rhyan Lake released the following statement:

“Of course Donald Trump’s first campaign trip in weeks is to visit South Dakota, ground zero for Trump’s anti-abortion agenda, where the governor thinks 10-year-old rape victims should be forced to give birth. Kristi Noem’s endorsement is also no surprise as she has spent her days in Congress and the governorship as one of the most right-wing elected officials in the country, pushing the hallmarks of the MAGA agenda — including stripping away Americans’ freedoms, supporting an effort to end Medicare as we know it, giving handouts to the ultra-wealthy, and making it easier for criminals to carry guns. Trump might not venture out to campaign much these days, but every time he does, he reminds Americans just how extreme he is — and today is no different.”

Noem has repeatedly praised Donald Trump, tied herself to his extreme MAGA agenda, and put herself forward as a contender to be his vice presidential nominee.

The Hill: “Noem says she would be Trump’s running mate ‘in a heartbeat’”

CNN: “‘Of course, I would consider it,’ Noem told Fox News host Sean Hannity recently when asked if she would be Trump’s vice president.”

Noem: “I think he’d be fantastic. … Most people when they watched what he and his family went through would be exhausted and quit, out of discouragement. And the fact that he’s still fighting is inspirational to me.”

Noem: “I love that man because he did everything he said he was going to do.”

Noem touted her role in crafting Trump’s tax giveaways for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.

Noem: “When I was in Congress, I had the tremendous honor of being on the conference committee that ironed out the final details of President Trump’s tax cuts.”

Noem is an anti-abortion extremist who said a 10-year-old rape victim should be forced to carry out her pregnancy under her state’s all-out abortion ban, does not support exceptions for rape or incest, and has threatened to throw pharmacists in jail for providing or even procuring abortion pills.

CNN: “South Dakota governor defends state’s abortion ‘trigger’ ban when asked if 10-year-old should be forced to give birth”

Argus Leader: “Pro-life advocates and Gov. Kristi Noem are lauding the South Dakota Legislature for further bolstering the state’s already strict anti-abortion laws this legislative session, steps necessary for states to take if abortion will ever be completely illegal in the United States, they say. … Noem told the Argus Leader this week that she is an absolutist on the topic, not even compromising in the event of rape or incest.”

Associated Press: “The Republican governor and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley released a letter to South Dakota pharmacists saying they are ‘subject to felony prosecution’ if they procure or dispense abortion-inducing drugs.” 

In Congress, Noem voted to end Medicare as we know it. 

Washington Post: “Other potential entrants in the Republican primary, such as former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) and South Dakota Gov. Kristi L. Noem, also voted for Ryan’s [proposal to cut and privatize Medicare] when they were in Congress.”

Noem repeatedly voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act while in Congress, which would have taken away health care from millions of Americans.

WNAX: “SD Congresswoman Kristi Noem Supports Obamacare Repeal”

New York Times: “G.O.P. Health Bill Would Leave 23 Million More Uninsured in a Decade, C.B.O. Says”

Noem has doubled down on her support for the gun lobby in the wake of devastating mass shootings and has also signed numerous dangerous anti-gun safety bills into law. 

Argus Leader: “Kristi Noem says ‘I am the NRA’ ahead of speech at NRA 2023 national convention”

Argus Leader: “Gov. Kristi Noem signs executive order amid speech at NRA convention”

Dakota News Now: “Noem to speak at national NRA forum days after Texas school shooting”

Rapid City Journal: “Gov. Noem signs ‘stand your ground’ bill”

Associated Press: “Gov. Kristi Noem signs ‘constitutional carry’ bill into law”

Noem is a climate change denier who has repeatedly railed against efforts to combat the climate crisis in her own state. 

Reporter: Do you think the climate is changing?

Noem: “I think that the science has been varied on it, and it hasn’t been proven to me that what we’re doing is affecting the climate.”

Associated Press: “Noem joins lawsuit challenging social cost of climate change”

South Dakota Public Broadcasting: “The State of South Dakota is leaving millions of federal dollars on the table that could be spent on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s one of four states that won’t access that money funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.” 

Noem has refused to acknowledge Trump’s role in inciting a violent mob to attack the Capitol on January 6. 
Associated Press: “South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Wednesday defended Donald Trump’s legacy as president while refusing to say whether he held any responsibility in goading the mob that attacked the Capitol.”