'Says the wannabe VP candidate': Internet trolls Kristi Noem as she tells CNN Mike Pence has ‘failed’ Donald Trump

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has entered the political fray, criticizing former Vice President Mike Pence for his actions on January 6 and emphasizing unwavering support for Donald Trump.

In a recent interview on CNN's State of the Union, Noem voiced her disapproval of Pence's role in certifying the presidential election results before Congress, suggesting that he failed Trump by not advocating for him more vigorously.

Kristi Noem challenges Mike Pence's allegiance to Donald Trump

"I think that he’s failed President Donald Trump since that day because he certainly does not recognize that we need someone in the White House who needs him out on the trail advocating for him instead of constantly criticizing and going back and ripping him apart," Noem told CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday.

Noem's comments come amidst ongoing scrutiny of Pence's decision-making on January 6, a day marked by the storming of the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters.

When pressed by moderator Dana Bash on whether she would have certified the election results, Noem remained non-committal, citing the need to consider the information available at the time. However, she made it clear that her focus remains on supporting Trump and rallying his base ahead of the upcoming elections.

"We did not do justice by our country by showing and fighting over that day," Noem said.

"We should focus on our freedoms and continue to uphold our constitution. So, you know, talking in hypotheticals is not something that I do. I deal with the reality of what I'm dealing with today and every single day, and what I'm going to do from now on until we get to November is continue to go across this country and talk to people about Donald Trump."

Kristi Noem's allegiance clashes with Mike Pence's adherence to constitutional duty

The South Dakota governor's remarks reflect a broader rift within the Republican Party, with some members continuing to align themselves closely with Trump while others distance themselves from the former president.

Noem, who is rumored to be a potential vice presidential pick for Trump, appears intent on reinforcing her loyalty to him, even at the expense of criticizing fellow Republicans like Pence.

Pence, for his part, has consistently defended his actions on January 6, asserting that he upheld his constitutional duty despite pressure from Trump to overturn the election results. In an interview with the Des Moines Register, Pence reiterated his commitment to the Constitution, emphasizing that he chose principle over loyalty to the president.

"By God’s grace, I did my duty that day," Pence told the Des Moines Register in an interview in August. "I had no right to overturn the election. And the American people deserve to know that the president asked me to choose him over keeping my oath to the Constitution, but I chose the Constitution. And I always will."

Social media reacts: mixed responses to Kristi Noem's allegiance to Donald Trump

One user wrote, "Says the wannabe VP candidate."

Another added, "MAGA V.P. interview. New teeth, new hair, hates Pence, good enough!"

One user said, "Mike Pence, showed the difference between the GOP and the MAGA Putin party."

Another commented, "She believes Trump needs Pence advocating for him actively rather than criticizing him."

One replied, "Noem: “I have gone with the full Mar A Lago treatment in hopes that I will be trump’s VP. The only thing left is him grabbing my hoo-hah.”

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.