South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's latest memoir has sparked a wave of controversy due to a disputed claim about meeting a noted world leader.

In her recently published book, Noem recounts various personal anecdotes and experiences, and among these stories, one particularly contentious claim involves an alleged meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, as The Blaze reports.

This anecdote has been widely criticized and debunked, leading to significant public discourse about the integrity of her memoir.

Noem was confronted about this claim during a news interview, in which she provided vague answers that only increased public skepticism about her account.

Details of the Alleged Meeting with Kim Jong Un

The memoir describes a scenario in which Noem interacts with Kim Jong Un, referring to him as having underestimated her due to her prior experience as a children’s pastor.

“I remember when I met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. I’m sure he underestimated me, having no clue about my experience staring down little tyrants (I’d been a children’s pastor, after all),” Noem wrote.

However, following the backlash and doubt cast on this meeting, Noem admitted to amendments being made to the text post-publication. “As soon as this was brought to my attention, I certainly made some changes,” she stated, addressing the controversy without confirming the specifics of these changes.

Response to Media Inquiry and Public Reaction

When pressed by reporters for details regarding her supposed diplomatic engagements, Noem declined to provide specifics.

“I’m not going to talk about my specific meetings with world leaders, I’m just not going to do that. This anecdote shouldn’t have been in the book,” she remarked, adding a layer of ambiguity to the already questionable narrative.

Commentators and the media have also weighed in on the memoir's veracity. Pat Gray, a media personality, challenged Noem directly: “Wait a minute. Brought to your attention? You wrote the book,” highlighting the absurdity of her explanation.

Noem's Background and Other Memoir Highlights

The governor’s memoir is not solely focused on international politics; it also delves into personal hardships and experiences.

One such narrative involves a distressing incident with her puppy, Cricket, which she claims to have shot herself—a story that has also stirred discomfort among readers.

Despite the controversies, Noem highlights her extensive travel and interactions with global leaders in her book. “I’ve met with many, many world leaders. I’ve traveled around the world. I think I’ve talked extensively in this book about my time serving in Congress,” she asserts, attempting to bolster her international credentials amidst the fallout.

Public and Expert Opinions on the Memoir's Credibility

The overall reaction to Noem’s memoir has been mixed, with some expressing disappointment and others defending her storytelling.

Keith Malinak, another media figure, suggested that Noem could have blamed a ghostwriter for the inaccuracies, especially regarding the unbelievable stories such as the one about her puppy, Cricket. “If it’s a ghost writer that’s responsible for misremembering her stories, then she should have already used that out on the Cricket story, which would have paved the way for an out,” Malinak noted.

Nevertheless, some supporters like Pat Gray remain empathetic: “I really like her. This is just so unfortunate,” reflecting a sentiment that despite the flaws, Noem still holds a place in the hearts of some constituents.

Conclusion

The publication of Noem's memoir has certainly ignited a debate over its authenticity, casting shadows over her reliability as a narrator.

The alleged meeting with Kim Jong Un, alongside other dubious claims, challenges the credibility of her entire narrative. As public scrutiny intensifies, the true impact of these revelations on Noem's political career remains to be seen.