“I don’t have the authority as governor to tell [businesses] what to do,” said Noem on Tuesday. “Since the start of this pandemic, I have remained focused on what my authorities are and what they are not. Now South Dakota is in a strong position because I didn’t overstep my authority. I didn’t trample on the rights of our people, and I’m not going to start now.”

Her announcement irked Walsh:

“No use for Kristi Noem. Kristi Noem is a very attractive woman, so she’s got that going for her. As far as I can tell, that’s the only reason why she was ever looked at as some sort of 2024 potential frontrunner. The hype and everything that she’s gotten from conservative media is entirely based on the fact that she’s an extremely attractive woman, which she is. But, you know, you put 50 pounds on her and another 20 years, I don’t think she gets any of the hype. Because outside of that, she’s just a, just your standard corporatist establishment Republican who’s not interested in doing anything.”