Gov. Kristi Noem Faces Legal and Ethical Scrutiny Over Dental Endorsement

South Dakota's governor is under fire for a promotional video endorsing a Texas dental clinic, sparking legal action and calls for an inquiry into the use of public funds.

Gov. Kristi Noem is facing a lawsuit from Travelers United for an undisclosed advertisement for Smile Texas, a cosmetic dentistry firm.
Questions arise over Noem's use of public funds for her trip to Texas and whether the dental work was compensated in exchange for the endorsement.
The promotional video has raised concerns among South Dakota legislators and has led to a call for an inquiry by a Democratic legislator.
Noem's endorsement and the subsequent legal and ethical questions come at a time when she is considered a potential vice-presidential pick for Donald Trump.
The controversy adds to previous ethics questions surrounding Noem, including her use of a state plane for political events and intervention in her daughter's licensure.