Tracking scandals and controversies involving South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
Noem Claimed Native American Tribal Leaders Have An Alliance With Drug Cartels. “Earlier this year, tribal leaders and tribally enrolled legislators criticized comments Noem made about drugs on South Dakota reservations during a speech to lawmakers about the U.S.-Mexico border. In that speech, Noem made multiple references to the ravages of fentanyl and other drugs on reservation communities, and said the drugs are coming from Mexican cartels. On Wednesday afternoon, Noem expanded on those comments during her town hall in Winner. “We’ve got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefitting from the cartels being here, and that’s why they attack me every day,” she said.” [South Dakota Searchlight]
Native American Tribes Banned Noem After Racist Comments. “Three tribes this year have barred Noem, who’s on former President Donald Trump’s vice president short list, from visiting their lands, with the latest action from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe announced on Wednesday. In February, the Oglala Sioux Tribe voted to bar Noem, and earlier this month, the Cheyenne River Sioux also voted to bar her as well. In all, Noem now is legally barred from entering about 10% of lands in the state she governs.” [CNN]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.