South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem spoke at night one of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week.
The governor used the 10-minute speech to tout her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and South Dakota’s economy. She also vocalized support for former President Donald Trump after an assassination attempt over the weekend, calling him “toughest man I’ve ever met.”
Noem was once considered a leading choice for a vice presidential run on the Trump ticket. That prospect dimmed after fallout over her latest memoir in which she detailed the personal shooting and killing of her dog, Cricket.
It officially closed this week when Trump named Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate.
Now, Noem said she’s going to do whatever it takes to help the former President regain the White House.
“South Dakota proved that freedom will make America wealthy again, and with President Trump in the White House and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) by his side, we will prove it across America,” Noem said.
Noem said incomes in South Dakota have gone up hand-over-fist.
“Our economy took off, and since I’ve been governor, we broke the lowest unemployment rate in American history at 1.8%," Noem said. "In South Dakota, everybody works. Under my administration, incomes in our state have gone up 36%.”
Though that 36% hasn’t made it to those who make the least. Minimum wage in South Dakota has gone from $9.10 when Noem was sworn in to $11.20 in 2024. That’s an increase of less than 20%.
Noem added that in this political climate, now is the time for conversation.
“Now, I know many of you are angry, but its time to unite," Noem said. "We have to get to work. We have to win the hearts and minds of every single American. Wake them up with truth and with wisdom. We have to listen to them – you can’t wake people up by arguing with them. Visit with your neighbors, at your jobs, at your church, at your gas station, or even at the grocery store.
While vice president is out of the question, Noem has also been floated as a candidate for a possible cabinet position should Trump win in November.