But the anecdote, paired with other recent controversies involving her, left many Republicans scratching their heads, with some suggesting she had tanked her prospects of serving as former President Trump’s 2024 running mate.
“She’s DOA,” one Trump ally said of Noem’s vice presidential prospects.
“She’s basically taken herself out of the running to be VP,” one Republican strategist told The Hill.
“There’s so many things wrong with that story on so many levels,” the strategist added about the dog story in particular, adding they were confounded by the fact Noem had months to write, edit and publish the book and still left the story of shooting the dog in the final draft.
But Noem’s vice presidential chances, where she was seen as a potential running mate who could solidify Trump’s support with the evangelical base and assuage concerns about his age and treatment of women, have certainly taken a hit.
“Her ability to garner votes was somewhat limited to begin with, and I don’t think this will help much,” Card said.