Kristi Noem made history in 2019 when she became South Dakota’s first female governor. Her rise to power was met with much excitement and hope for the future of the state. However, as her tenure comes to an end, it is impossible to ignore the controversies that have surrounded her time in office. These controversies have not only defined her tenure but have ultimately led to her decision to not seek re-election in 2022. Let’s take a closer look at the controversies that have defined and ultimately ended Kristi Noem’s tenure as governor.
One of the most notable controversies surrounding Noem’s tenure was her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic first hit, Noem took a hands-off approach, refusing to issue a statewide mask mandate and keeping businesses open. This decision was met with praise from some who saw it as a way to protect individual freedoms, but it also drew criticism from those who felt she was not taking the pandemic seriously enough. As cases and deaths continued to rise in South Dakota, Noem’s approach came under even more scrutiny. She was accused of downplaying the severity of the virus and not doing enough to protect the citizens of her state. This controversy ultimately led to a strained relationship between Noem and the public health officials in her state, including the state’s top epidemiologist who resigned in protest.
Another controversy that has defined Noem’s tenure is her handling of the Keystone XL pipeline. Noem has been a vocal supporter of the pipeline, which would transport oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast. However, the project has faced numerous legal challenges and environmental concerns. Despite these issues, Noem has continued to push for the pipeline’s construction, even going as far as to use state funds to finance legal battles in support of the project. This has led to criticism from those who believe she is prioritizing the interests of big oil over the well-being of her state and its environment.
Noem’s tenure has also been marked by controversies surrounding her use of taxpayer funds. In 2020, it was revealed that Noem had used state funds to pay for private flights to political events and for security detail to travel with her on personal trips. This sparked an investigation by the state’s attorney general, which ultimately found that Noem had not violated any laws but had shown a lack of transparency in her use of state funds. This controversy raised questions about Noem’s integrity and judgment, especially as she positioned herself as a fiscal conservative.
Perhaps the most controversial and defining moment of Noem’s tenure was her handling of the protests against racial injustice and police brutality in the summer of 2020. While other governors took steps to address the concerns of their citizens, Noem took a hardline stance, stating that she would not tolerate any protests turning violent in her state. This statement was met with backlash from those who saw it as a dismissal of the issues at hand and a lack of empathy for those fighting for change. Noem’s stance also led to tensions with the Native American community in South Dakota, who felt she did not do enough to address their concerns and protect their rights.
As her tenure comes to an end, Noem’s controversies have not gone unnoticed. In fact, they have played a significant role in her decision to not seek re-election in 2022. While Noem’s approval ratings remain high among Republicans, her approval among Democrats and Independents has dropped significantly due to these controversies. This lack of support from a large portion of the population could have greatly impacted her chances of being re-elected.
Despite the controversies that have defined and ultimately ended her tenure, Noem has also had some notable achievements during her time as governor. She has successfully pushed for a tax cut for South Dakotans, increased funding for education, and signed legislation to protect the rights of gun owners. She has also been praised for her efforts in bringing new businesses and jobs to the state. However, these accomplishments have been overshadowed by the controversies that have plagued her tenure.
In conclusion, Kristi Noem’s tenure as South Dakota’s first female governor has been marked by controversies that have ultimately led to her decision to not seek re-election in 2022. Her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, support for the Keystone XL pipeline, use of taxpayer funds, and stance on racial justice protests have all contributed to a strained relationship with many of her constituents. While she may have had some notable achievements, these controversies will likely be
