France Disputes Portion of South Dakota Governor’s Book
France Disputes Portion of South Dakota Governor’s Book
The government of France is disputing a portion of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s book that describes a canceled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The book, titled “No Going Back,” has already had a passage removed over unverified claims of the Republican governor meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to the book, a planned meet-up between Noem and Macron last year was nixed after he allegedly made “pro-Hamas” comments.
Conflicting Accounts
In her book, Noem wrote, “While in Paris, I was slated to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. However, the day before we were to meet, he made what I considered a very pro-Hamas and anti-Israel comment to the press. So, I decided to cancel.” However, a representative from the Élysée Palace disputed Noem’s account, stating that there is no record of a scheduled meeting and no invitation was extended to her.
The Governor’s Response
When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Noem stated that “the governor was invited to sit in President Macron’s box for the Armistice Day parade at Arc de Triomphe.” The spokesperson, Ian Fury, also mentioned that Noem chose to cancel the meeting following Macron’s “anti-Israel comments.” Fury clarified that Macron did not end up attending the event either.
Noem had been in Paris in November 2023 to speak at the Worldwide Freedom Initiative conference. However, she did not specify in her book what Macron’s comments were. When asked for details, Noem’s office pointed to Macron’s remarks urging Israel to stop bombing Gaza and calling for a cease-fire. Macron also condemned Hamas and its attack on Israel on October 7, while recognizing “the right of Israel to protect itself and react.”
Controversies Surrounding Noem’s Book
The disputed account of the canceled meeting is the latest in a series of controversies generated by Noem’s book. The second-term governor, who is viewed as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, wrote in her book that she met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, she later stated that she “should not have put that anecdote in the book.” Her publisher has confirmed that the passage will be removed.
In addition, Noem described in her book how she shot and killed her family’s 14-month-old dog. This revelation has sparked criticism and backlash. Noem has repeatedly defended her actions, citing the dog’s aggression and emphasizing that it was a “working dog” and “not a puppy.”
Former President Donald Trump responded to the recent controversies surrounding Noem in an interview, acknowledging that she had a rough couple of days.
