South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem reportedly expressed interest in a top position at the National Rifle Association (NRA) as early as last fall, according to sources with Axios.
She allegedly offered to resign from her role as governor to take on the position, as per a source familiar with her conversation with former NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre.
In late fall, Noem reportedly called LaPierre to advocate for becoming the next executive vice president or CEO of the gun lobby. This move comes amidst a heated public relations cycle for Noem, involving controversial passages in her book about shooting her dog and a claimed meeting with Kim Jong Un.
Noem’s alignment with the NRA has been longstanding, highlighted by her signing of an executive order during its annual conference last year. Following LaPierre’s resignation in January, Noem’s name surfaced in senior NRA circles as a potential successor. However, the decision ultimately rests with the NRA’s 76-person board.
Noem, previously considered a potential contender for Donald Trump’s running mate, has defended her decision to shoot her dog, Cricket, citing the animal as dangerous and untrainable. Regarding the alleged Kim Jong Un meeting, she has not provided a clear answer but stated that the book would be revised.
A spokesperson for Noem, Ian Fury, denied the conversation with LaPierre, emphasizing her commitment to her role as Governor of South Dakota. LaPierre, through his lawyer Kent Correll, declined to comment on the matter.