Tackling the Tribal Public Safety Crisis
June 3, 2024
I have a deep sense of compassion and respect for our Native American population here in South Dakota. And I firmly believe that we solve problems best when we work together and communicate. Read more . . .
Combatting the Cartel Crisis: at Home and at the Border
May 17, 2024
The State of South Dakota lacks criminal jurisdiction over Indian Country crimes; thus, in reality, the sole provider of law enforcement services to the Oglala Sioux Tribe is the federal government. Read more . . .
Celebrating Mothers
May 10, 2024
Being a mom and a grandma has been the biggest blessing of my life. My kids and my grandkids are motivation to get up every single day and fight for a better future for all South Dakotans. Read more . . .
Appreciating Teachers
May 3, 2024
May 6th – 10th is Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to celebrate our educators and thank them for everything they do for our students. Read more . . .
As Dumb as it is Dangerous: Why Dismantling Title IX is an All-Out Assault on Women
April 26, 2024
With the stroke of a single pen, President Joe Biden has given mediocre men the right to steal opportunities from exceptional women. Read more . . .
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
April 19, 2024
From a young age, my mom and dad taught me that the Bible teaches us to pray for the Holy Land of Israel. Read more . . .
I Like My Freedom
April 12, 2024
We recently launched round three of the most successful workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota history – Freedom Works Here. Read more . . .
Banish the Cartels
April 5, 2024
There is an invasion happening at our Southern Border. It is a warzone. Read more . . .
Growing in Faith: Celebrating Easter
March 29, 2024
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." -Matthew 28:6 Read more . . .
Evil Foreign Governments Should Not be our Neighbors
March 22, 2024
When you think of South Dakota, you might think about rolling fields of corn and soybeans and hills full of cattle, the Black Hills, or Mount Rushmore. Read more . . .
Looking Back on Legislative Session
March 15, 2024
Back in December, when I gave my annual Budget Address to the state legislature, I told them that we had to remember our core function as the state governments. Read more . . .
Ensuring the Security of God's Chosen People
March 8, 2024
When I was growing up, my dad would always gather our family together and we would pray for Israel. Read more . . .
Preserving Our Outdoor Heritage
March 1, 2024
Almost every memory I have from my childhood is outdoors. Read more . . .
The Freedom to Be Secure – and How to Keep it
February 23, 2024
In my State of the State Address, I talked about the Freedom to be secure. We are so fortunate to live in a nation where we have many Freedoms. Read more . . .
The Freedom to Work
February 16, 2024
In South Dakota, we respect the Freedom to Work. That is what America was built on. We each have the Freedom to get up every morning and to provide for ourselves and our families. Read more . . .
Supporting Second Chances
February 9, 2024
As I travel the state, the biggest challenge that I hear about is a shortage of workers. We've been taking action to fill open jobs. Read more . . .
Matters of State: Why the Invasion at the Southern Border is a Threat to States' Rights
February 2, 2024
For almost 250 years America has been the standard of a government of, by, and for the people. But today, the American people are not secure. Read more . . .
Keeping and Bearing Arms for Generations
January 26, 2024
Growing up in rural South Dakota, shooting sports and hunting were a big part of how I was raised. Some of my favorite memories with my family are of our time hunting and shooting guns. Read more . . .
Freedom to Be Healthy: A Story of Heroism
January 19, 2024
In South Dakota, we value living a healthy life, no matter where you live. Every South Dakotan should have the Freedom to live where they want... Read more . . .
2024 State of the State Address
January 9, 2024
My job today is to give you a report on the state of our state. Our State Constitution requires me to appear before you and deliver this speech, but it gives little guidance on how long the speech should be or what snacks may be served. Read more . . .
2023 Budget Address
December 5, 2023
Good afternoon, Lieutenant Governor Rhoden, Mr. Speaker, members of the House and Senate, and my fellow South Dakotans. Read more . . .
Freedom for Life: Why a Crying Baby is a Good Thing
January 12, 2024
I recently delivered my State of the State Address to a joint session of our State Legislature. Towards the end of my speech, a small kiddo started crying up in the gallery. Read more . . .
Under God, the People Rule
January 5, 2024
We are closing in on one of the busiest times of year here in Pierre, South Dakota: legislative session. Read more . . .
Ringing in the New Year, Letting Freedom Ring
December 29, 2023
As 2023 comes to an end, we may find ourselves reflecting on the last year and looking forward to the year ahead. Read more . . .
The Greatest Gift
December 22, 2023
During the holiday season, we are surrounded by many gifts. I'm sure we can all remember growing up and not being able to sleep the night before Christmas. Read more . . .
Shining a Light
December 15, 2023
Jewish people around the world are concluding their celebration of the miracle of Hanukkah. As they do so, I cannot help but think of them and the State of Israel. Read more . . .
Let's Talk about the "Big Three"
December 8, 2023
I recently presented my budget to the South Dakota State Legislature. It's a budget that prioritizes people, not programs. It shows what can be done with smart, conservative fiscal policies. Read more . . .
Securing America: The Fight Against Communist China
December 1, 2023
South Dakota has been drawing the blueprint for state-led response to the threat from Communist China. Read more . . .
Freedom Works Here – Round Two
November 24, 2023
When I launched the Freedom Works Here nationwide workforce recruitment campaign over the summer, I wanted people to hear South Dakota's story. Read more . . .
Thank You is Never Enough: Honoring Our Veterans
November 10, 2023
As we celebrate Veterans Day, it is important for all of us to take a step back and remember the reason for the holiday. Read more . . .
Know Where You Stand: The Fight for Fairness in Girls' Sports
November 3, 2023
It's plain and simple – only girls should play girls' sports. This is a matter of basic biological fairness. Read more . . .
Buckle Down and Budget: Looking Forward to Legislative Session
October 27, 2023
As we close in on the start of legislative session, I have been meeting with my team to discuss how we can deliver the best possible results for the people of South Dakota during those weeks. Read more . . .
Birds of a Feather
October 20, 2023
South Dakota always seems to come alive in autumn. The air is crisp and cool, the leaves on the trees change to create a colorful masterpiece, and our farmers are preparing to harvest their crops. Read more . . .
Protecting the Promised Land
October 13, 2023
When I was in the U.S. House of Representatives, I traveled with other U.S. government officials to strengthen relationships with America's allies around the world. Read more . . .
Welcoming Home South Dakota's Finest
October 6, 2023
Welcoming troops home has always been one of my favorite parts of this job. Seeing the joy that our soldiers feel when they are reunited with their families is truly greater than words could ever describe. Read more . . .
The Buffalo Roundup: The Heart of the Wild West
September 29, 2023
Teddy Roosevelt is one of my favorite presidents. He embodied the spirit of Freedom. He cared about stewarding the land. And he appreciated the beauty of this nation. Read more . . .
Shall Not be Infringed
September 15, 2023
South Dakota has been setting the standard as the most Second-Amendment-friendly state in the nation for years. Read more . . .
Freedom Really Does Work Here
September 8, 2023
I launched the "Freedom Works Here" nationwide workforce recruitment campaign in June to tell South Dakota's story to America. Read more . . .
The Fight for Our Country
September 1, 2023
I was recently at the edge of "the Land of the Free" – the Southern border. Read more . . .
The World's Best Hope
August 25, 2023
The Great Seal of the Unites States contains a phrase – "E Pluribus Unum," "out of many, one." Read more . . .
A Note to Self: Called to Love
August 18, 2023
In the Gospel of John, shortly before Jesus is arrested, He says "my command is this: love each other a I have loved you" (John 15:12). Read more . . .
The Unsung Heroes of Sturgis
August 11, 2023
I didn’t think I’d find so much Jesus at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He’s everywhere all the time, but I didn’t expect to feel his presence at a pancake breakfast at the Buffalo Chip. Read more . . .
Sturgis: The Fastest and Freest
August 4, 2023
South Dakotans are a proud people. We are proud of our upbringings, our small-town values, and our old-fashioned work ethic. Read more . . .
Telling a Story of Hope
July 28, 2023
The United States of America was created because of a sense of hope. Our founders had the hope that one day we would be a nation of greatness, of self-governance, and of Freedom. Read more . . .
South Dakota Dreams: A "Freedom Works Here" Story
July 21, 2023
Alex moved to the United States from South Africa in 1995. He had lived in Seattle ever since – until the COVID pandemic and violent riots changed the city. Read more . . .
Too Close to Home: Combating the Prescription Drug Shortage
July 14, 2023
"Kristi, he's turning blue!" Those were the words of my mom when my son, Booker, was just four years old. Read more . . .
America: A Year-Round Celebration
July 7, 2023
I am a firm believer that our upbringing makes us who we are. I often talk about how I grew up on our family farm with my parents giving me impossible things to do. Read more . . .
Too Great a Nation
June 30, 2023
During Ronald Reagan's first inaugural address in 1981, he spoke of the significance of American values. Read more . . .
Freedom Works Here
June 23, 2023
South Dakota is hiring. As the first state to bounce back from the pandemic, we've got one of the nation's strongest economies – and more jobs than we can fill. Read more . . .
South Dakota: America’s Freedom Stronghold
June 9, 2023
You know the Founding Fathers, the men who laid the foundation for this great nation. You probably know Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, and Hamilton. Read more . . .
Grit and Grind: Building South Dakota for the Next Generation
June 2, 2023
I first ran for public office for a handful of reasons, but the reason at the heart of everything has always been my kids – and now my grandkids. Read more . . .
Improving Higher Education
May 26, 2023
South Dakota’s kids are our future. This point really hits home for those of us who are already seeing our own kids have kids of their own! And we must set our kids up with the skills and knowledge to build the best possible future for our state and nation. Read more . . .
Remembering Sheila
May 19, 2023
It is springtime in South Dakota and all things seem new! Read more . . .
Cherishing South Dakota Moms
May 12, 2023
I still remember the first time I was invited to my mother-in-law’s home for dinner when I was dating Bryon. I hadn’t really talked to Sharon or my father-in-law, Al, very much before, and I was nervous. Read more . . .
Travel Forward – Celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week
May 5, 2023
"Everyone must visit beautiful South Dakota. Pack your bags and rush to the car and start driving. With so many fun and exciting things to see and do, what will you do first?" Read more . . .
Building a Winning Workforce
April 28, 2023
My first job consisted of a list of farm chores – feed the horses, check the cows, clean the barns. But it was never my intention to keep that job forever. Read more . . .
A History Worth Learning
April 21, 2023
Our kids and our grandkids will be the next generation of leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs. They will also be the leaders of the future of our great American republic. They deserve an honest and factual classroom teaching that will prepare them to engage in our civil society for the rest of their lives. Read more . . .
Freedom, Guaranteed
April 14, 2023
President Reagan famously said, "the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government, and I'm here to help." Read more . . .
Making the Best State in the Nation Even Better
March 31, 2023
As the 2023 legislative session comes to a close, I want to take a moment to look back at what the legislature and I were able to accomplish working together for the people of South Dak Read more . . .
Giving Back – Permanently
March 24, 2023
Every time I travel our state, the best part of my day is just meeting people. I run into old friends at Culver's or HyVee all the time. Read more . . .
Preserving Agriculture, Preserving Patriotism
March 17, 2023
I talk a lot about the American Dream. Unfortunately, that’s unusual these days. To me, the American Dream was an ideal that was embedded in my heart since I was a child. I think that had a lot to do with growing up on the farm. It was tough work, but one of the best lessons my parents taught us kids was that life isn’t easy. Read more . . .
For the People
March 10, 2023
There’s a perception that South Dakota’s future is charted in Pierre. That’s where big decisions get made; where Governors have taken historic actions; where legislators go every winter to represent the people and vote. But that perception misses our state’s foundational principle, our beautiful slogan: “Under God, the People Rule.” As elected leaders, when we make those decisions and cast those votes, we must do it on behalf of the people. Read more . . .
Mount Rushmore: Preserving Freedom in America
February 24, 2023
The celebration of Presidents' Day always brings attention to South Dakota. When people think of our state, they think of Mount Rushmore – and rightly so. Read more . . .
South Dakota’s Blueprint to Fight Communist China
February 17, 2023
South Dakota is a beacon of Freedom – an example of the good that comes from trusting people to exercise personal responsibility. And now, we’re setting an example by drawing the blueprint for a state-led response to the Chinese Communist Party. We first drew that blueprint in our COVID-19 response. We expanded it by banning TikTok for government devices. And we will add to it by blocking Communist China from buying South Dakota ag land, participating in state contracts, or infiltrating our telecommunications. Read more . . .
Empowering Families – Prioritizing Students
February 10, 2023
You've heard me talk a lot over the years about helping foster families so that we can build stronger families across our state. Read more . . .
Securing South Dakota Agriculture
February 3, 2023
Agriculture is the bedrock of South Dakota. The ag industry is tough, and it's often thankless, but it truly is how we feed the world. Read more . . .
Strengthening South Dakota Families
January 27, 2023
Family is everything. I grew up working our family farm and ranch with my parents and siblings. When my dad passed away, my siblings worked together to keep our family’s dreams alive. My greatest joy in life has been watching my children grow up into incredible adults with a deep love of their country and an even deeper love for the Lord – and now they’ve started blessing me with grandchildren, too! Read more . . .
2023 State of the State Address
January 10, 2023
Lieutenant Governor Rhoden, Mr. Speaker, members of the House and Senate, Chief Justice Jensen, Supreme Court justices, constitutional officers, and my fellow South Dakotans: Read more . . .
2022 Budget Address
December 6, 2022
Today, Governor Kristi Noem delivered the 2022 Budget Address, unveiling her budget proposal for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Year 2024. Read more . . .
Champions at the Capitol
January 20, 2023
This week, we welcomed the South Dakota State University football team to the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. Read more . . .
Building the American Dream
January 13, 2023
South Dakota’s economy has been thriving over the past few years, but even though our unemployment rate in 2022 was the lowest it’s been in our state’s history, we still have 23,000 open jobs in our state. These are growing pains, and we’re tackling them head on. That is how we will continue to build and advance the American Dream. Read more . . .
Governor Kristi Noem's 2nd Inaugural Address
January 7, 2023
Four years ago, I stood in front of you with my left hand on my dad’s Bible and my right hand raised, swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution of both the state of South Dakota and the United States of America. I had won a competitive campaign on election day and was honored to be chosen to be the 33rd governor and the first female governor of our state. We had spent the previous months planning for the day I would take office – learning from previous administration officials and former Governors. We had hired cabinet and staff – worked on a budget plan – and considered legislation to implement the vision I had committed to following through on for the people of South Dakota. Read more . . .
