South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem squirms as she is asked about dubious claims of ... trends now
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made for some awkward television viewing on Sunday morning as she was repeatedly challenged over a claim that she once met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Speaking on CBS Face The Nation, journalist Margaret Brennan asked Noem about the anecdote, said to be printed in her forthcoming book.
In one section discussing meetings with international leaders, Noem writes: 'Through my tenure on the House Armed Services Committee, I had the chance to travel to many countries to meet with world leaders - some who wanted our help, and some who didn't
'I remember when I met with the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. 'I'm sure he underestimated me, having no clue about my experience staring down little tyrants (I'd been a children's pastor after all).'
But Noem appeared to be in no mood to offer any corrections. 'I'm so proud of this book and what it will bring to people,' she said defiantly. 'I'm not retracting anything.'
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faced scrutiny on CBS's Face The Nation on Sunday over her claim of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
Kristi Noem wrote that she met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, above, while serving in the House of Representatives, which appears to be false.
The description of a supposed meeting between Un and herself was quickly challenged and described as implausible by experts on U.S.-North Korea relations - a fact not lost on Brennan as she asked Noem directly, 'Did you meet Kim Jong Un?'
'You know, as soon as this was brought to my attention, I certainly made some changes and looked at this passage and I've met with many, many world leaders. I've traveled around the world,' Noem responded, avoiding answering the question.
'As soon as it was brought to my attention we went forward and have made some edits, so I'm glad this book is being released in a couple of days and that those edits will be in place and people will have the updated version.'
But Brennan wasn't finished. 'You did not meet with Kim Jong-un, that's what you're saying?', she queried.
Noem was no clearer in her answer the second time around.
'I've met with many, many world leaders and traveled around the world. I think I've talked extensively in this book about my time serving in congress, my time as governor, before governor, some of the travels that I've had.'
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's continues to be in the doghouse over anecdotes shared in her forthcoming book. She is pictured at a Trump rally in March
