Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, center, makes false claims in her book about meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, and canceling a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)
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South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a possible VP pick on Donald Trump’s 2024 ticket, asserts that she has met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but an investigation reveals the claim — and others —to be fabricated.
A recent update to an upcoming book by Noem addresses concerns over inaccuracies regarding meetings with world leaders. The book, titled “No Going Back,” has stirred controversy not only for its account of the governor shooting a dog but also for two disputed instances involving international leaders.
This book was seen as a clear attempt to position herself as a potential running mate for Donald Trump.
In the book, Noem claims to have met with Kim Jong Un during her time in Congress and scheduled a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, which she canceled.
However, there is no independent verification of this meeting through congressional travel records or other sources. In addition, the French president’s office has confirmed that Noem did not have a scheduled meeting with Macron.
Former congressional staffers have expressed skepticism about Noem’s alleged meeting with Kim Jong Un, citing the logistical implausibility and North Korea’s diplomatic practices.
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Noem’s Office Offers No Clarifications
Noem’s office has not provided further details or clarification on these matters.
The book also details Noem’s interactions with other world leaders, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, in more documented and effusive terms. However, the accuracy of these accounts has not been disputed.
The controversy surrounding the book extends beyond its international narratives. Noem’s description of shooting a dog named Cricket has sparked condemnation and debate, with the governor defending her actions based on the dog’s behavior.
Later Friday, Noem’s office said that she would be going back to editing the book to correct some errors which includes the claim that she met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
To read more about this story, visit The Dakota Scout.