Kristi Noem Criticized for Hunting Photo Amid Past Dog-Killing Controversy

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faced online criticism after posting a photograph of herself hunting with her dog, Foster. The image, which showed Noem in full hunting gear with her hair styled and makeup applied, prompted social media users to comment that her dog appeared "petrified."

Noem shared the photo on social media, writing, "Happy Opener, South Dakota! Foster and I wish you good luck in the field! Pheasant hunting is part of who we are, and it’s a tradition worth passing on to our kids and grandkids." She also mentioned initiating a program to convert land into wildlife habitats for hunting during her gubernatorial term.

The post quickly drew attention from users who recalled Noem's widely publicized account in her memoir, "No Going Back," about shooting her dog, Cricket. In the book, Noem described killing Cricket, then 14 months old, after deeming the dog "untrainable" and detailing instances of aggression, including killing chickens and biting her. She wrote, "I hated that dog."

Commenters seized on the new hunting photo, drawing parallels to the past controversy. "The worst possible thing you could post would be a dog and a gun, lady. Come on," one user wrote. Another commented, "That dog looks nervous AF. Can't blame him." Others suggested the dog's expression showed fear or recognition related to Noem's past confession.

Noem defended her actions regarding Cricket in a previous social media statement, stating, "We love animals, but tough decisions like this happen all the time on a farm." However, the anecdote became a defining moment for many in understanding her public persona.

Noem served as Secretary of Homeland Security under the Trump administration before her dismissal. Her career has been marked by several controversies, including the revelation of photos showing her husband in cross-dressing attire shortly after her departure from DHS. More recently, she transitioned from a role as a special envoy for The Shield of the Americas to a senior advisor position within the State Department.