Noem’s Dog Controversy and Affair Rumors Derailed VP Chances, New Book Reveals

PALM BEACH, Fla. — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s controversial decision to kill her dog and rumors of an affair with a Trump campaign insider derailed her chances of becoming former President Donald Trump’s running mate, according to a new book by Politico reporter Alex Isenstadt.

In “Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power,” Isenstadt reveals that Noem’s admission in her 2023 memoir, “No Going Back,” about shooting her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, sparked backlash even within Trump’s inner circle. Trump, known for his dislike of dogs, reportedly joked about the incident with his son, Donald Trump Jr., saying, “Even you wouldn’t kill a dog, and you kill everything.”

Noem, 53, defended the decision as a tough choice leaders must make, describing Cricket as “untrainable” and “dangerous.” However, the controversy overshadowed her political ambitions. Sources close to Trump at the time said the incident quashed her chances of being selected as his vice presidential candidate.

Compounding Noem’s troubles were persistent rumors of an affair with Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s 2016 campaign manager. Isenstadt’s book details how Trump and his aides were aware of the speculation, with Trump reportedly referring to Noem as Lewandowski’s “girlfriend” and raising eyebrows when the topic arose. Multiple sources claimed to have witnessed the pair engaging in public displays of affection, including at the 2021 Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Fla., and at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

Trump advisers reportedly viewed the rumors as a potential distraction, further diminishing Noem’s prospects. “Trump’s aides knew if Noem was picked, her relationship with Lewandowski would become one hell of a distraction,” Isenstadt writes.

In February 2024, Trump met with Noem at Mar-a-Lago to discuss her state’s strict abortion ban, which does not allow exceptions for rape or incest. While Trump was reportedly impressed by Noem, he expressed concerns about how the law could be used against her in a general election.

Noem has repeatedly denied the affair allegations, calling them “completely false.” A spokesperson for Noem dismissed Isenstadt’s book as “fiction” and accused the author of fabricating conversations. Lewandowski has declined to comment on the record.

Trump transition spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed the book’s claims, stating, “We will not dignify these type of salacious and unverified stories that have nothing to do with helping the American people or Making America Great Again.”

“Revenge” is set to be released on March 18.