Internet weighs in as sources claim Kristi Noem has 'no shot' as Trump's VP pick after dog-killing fiasco

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota Gov Kristi Noem reportedly lost her long shot at being considered for Donald Trump's vice president ticket owing to the puppy-killing controversy, as told by sources close to the former president to the New York Post.

"She was already unlikely to be picked as VP but had a shot," claimed an ally of the presumptive GOP nominee, adding, "After this, it's just impossible."

The person also claimed Trump's team was "bewildered" when they learned the Republican governor had apparently revealed that she killed her puppy in her book, 'No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward'.

In the book, Noem recalls how she shot and killed her 14-month-old wire-haired pointer, Cricket, due to its "aggressive personality," according to The Guardian. "It was not a pleasant job. But it had to be done," asserted the governor. 

Source says Kristi Noem disappointed Donald Trump

One source said that Trump is not necessarily a dog person, but he understood that he could not choose a "puppy killer" for VP pick for "blatantly obvious reasons."

The unnamed tipster also noted that 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney remains infamous for placing his dog inside a crate on top of the family's car during a trip from Boston to Canada in 1983.

Meanwhile, a second informant told the outlet that though the former president "likes Kristi a lot," he was "disappointed when hearing the 'dog' story."

"It certainly has not enhanced her chances, but no decision has been made concerning any of the VP candidates," added the anonymous source.

Noem recalled in her book that she decided to kill Cricket after it jumped out of her truck and attacked her neighbor's chickens. The dog "whipped around to bite" the governor when she tried to restrain it. 

She defended herself following widespread outrage. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Noem claimed the book contains "honest stories" of her life.

"The fact is, South Dakota law states that dogs who attack and kill livestock can be put down. Given that Cricket had shown aggressive behavior toward people by biting them, I decided what I did," wrote the governor in the April 28 post. 

The Republican stressed, "Whether running the ranch or in politics, I have never passed on my responsibilities to anyone else to handle. Even if it’s hard and painful. I followed the law and was being a responsible parent, dog owner, and neighbor," concluding, "As I explained in the book, it wasn't easy. But often the easy way isn't the right way."

Trump has not revealed his running mate for the November election. Besides Noem, the former POTUS has a long list of potential picks, including Rep Elise Stefanik, Sen Tim Scott, Sen J D Vance, former lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, and Texas Gov Gregg Abbott.

Noem, who has been a close ally of the MAGA spearhead, said earlier that she would take the No 2 spot "in a heartbeat."

Internet reacts to Kristi Noem potentially losing her chance to be Trump's VP pick over puppy-killing controversy

One said, "She shot herself in the foot," and another remarked, "Odd that she put this in a book this year of all years. Seems too convenient."

A person noted, "She sold her sould for nothing. Just like Kari Lake. Ah well," while someone else opined, "Her political career is over."

"It's pretty surprising that this hurt her chances. I thought it would have helped her because GOP voters usually see this sort of thing as tough and cool," expressed an individual. 

One more said, "Killed her chances along with her dog." "Seems self inflicted," shared another person.

"She would have been a horrible pick regardless. But this sealed the deal," declared a netizen. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.