RAPID CITY, S.D.—Gov. Kristi Noem on Sept. 8 endorsed former President Donald Trump’s re-election bid.
“He is the leader, the fighter that our country needs. He has my full and complete endorsement for president of the United States,” the South Dakota governor told a crowd of thousands at a GOP rally in Rapid City.
“I will do everything I can to help him win and save this country.”
Ms. Noem then introduced President Trump, the rally headliner. A graphic reading “Trump Noem 2024” then briefly appeared on the screen behind the stage.
President Trump thanked the governor, calling her “a warrior for American values.”
“I get endorsements, some good, some bad,” President Trump said. “Some don’t mean anything. Hers means a lot.”
Ms. Noem’s endorsement of President Trump capped a 20-minute speech highlighting how well South Dakota is faring in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also credited President Trump for making that success possible.
Many other states went along with national recommendations for shuttering businesses, churches and schools and stay-at-home orders. But, Ms. Noem said, “Those decisions were not leadership. They were made based on fear and control.”
But in South Dakota, “we focused on our facts,” Ms. Noem said, adding that scientific data about the coronavirus “did not support mandates or lockdowns.” That’s why she declared the state “open for business,” invited people to come visit and allowed citizens “to make the best decisions for themselves and for their loved ones.”
“I respected my oath to the United States in the South Dakota constitutions. I respected our freedom, and I respected our people,” she said. “Now if Joe Biden had been president, he would have tried to stop me from protecting you thank God President Trump was in the White House at the time.”
The crowd responded with loud cheers, applause and whistles as she added, “He let me do my job. And the results have been absolutely incredible.”
By Janice Hisle
