Return of mask mandates is ‘blowing my mind’: Gov. Kristi Noem
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem reacts to reports of mask mandates being reinstated across parts of the country and discusses former President Trump’s bid for the White House.
Former President Donald Trump has picked up another big-name endorsement in his bid to win back the White House from President Biden next year.
Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem threw the weight of her growing national recognition behind Trump, saying he has her "full and complete endorsement for President of the United States of America."
"I will do everything I can to help him win and save this country," Noem said Friday evening as she introduced Trump at a political event in Rapid City, South Dakota. "Ladies and gentlemen, the 45th and the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump."
Former President Donald Trump greets South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem at the South Dakota Republican Party Monumental Leaders rally Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Rapid City, S.D. (AP Photo/Toby Brusseau) (AP)
TRUMP'S EVENT WITH KRISTI NOEM FUELS 2024 VP PICK SPECULATION
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during the South Dakota Republican Party's Monumental Leaders rally at the Ice Arena at the Monument in Rapid City, S.D., Sept. 8, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem steps on stage during the South Dakota Republican Party's Monumental Leaders rally at the Ice Arena at the Monument in Rapid City, S.D., Sept. 8, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
The two politicians joining forces is sparking speculation that Trump - the current commanding front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination - is eyeing Noem as a potential running mate, especially since the endorsement appears to bring to a final close her own presidential ambitions in 2024.
Noem said Thursday during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" she and Trump have "not discussed it at all" when asked about being his potential vice presidential pick.
Asked in a Fox News Digital interview later Thursday if teaming up with Trump should be seen as a possible test or audition for a running mate, Noem answered, "I don’t think so."
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during the South Dakota Republican Party's Monumental Leaders rally at the Ice Arena at the Monument in Rapid City, S.D., Sept. 8, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
But she's not ruling anything out.
"Yeah. I’d have to consider it," the governor said when asked what she would do if offered the job. "I think everybody would have to consider it if they were asked that question. It’s such an important time in our history where we see constitutional freedoms being undermined by leaders across this country almost every day."
After taking the stage, Trump praised Noem, calling her "one of the most successful governors in the entire nation."
And he emphasized,"Kristi, I’m truly honored to receive your endorsement."
Last year Noem mulled a 2024 White House run of her own. But she's been very clear in recent months that Trump is unbeatable for the GOP nomination, stressing that "he’s the one that can win."
Former President Donald Trump speaks at the South Dakota Republican Party Monumental Leaders rally Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Rapid City, S.D. (AP Photo/Toby Brusseau) (AP)
"I do feel pretty confident that President Trump will be the Republican nominee for president," she told Fox News Digital. "He obviously has a record that he’s running on and people know with him what they’re getting. I think these other candidates that are in may be good people, but their record isn’t just as impressive."
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Noem joins a number of other Republican governors who have already thrown their support behind Trump months before any votes will be cast in the primaries and caucuses, including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
She is also the latest high-profile endorsement Trump has gotten since his fourth and most recent indictment on criminal charges. He surrendered to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta last month on charges related to his alleged effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the state.
Fox News' Mike Emanuel contributed to this report.
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