Governor Kristi Noem Banned from Multiple South Dakota Tribal Lands

Amidst controversy over comments linking tribal leaders to drug cartels, Governor Noem faces bans from several reservations, impacting her governance and potential vice-presidential aspirations.

Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota has been banned from entering lands of multiple tribal nations including the Standing Rock Sioux, Oglala Sioux, and Cheyenne River Sioux.
The bans were prompted by Noem's controversial comments alleging connections between tribal leaders and Mexican drug cartels, which she made without providing evidence.
These actions reflect escalating tensions between Noem and the tribal communities, which accuse her of fear-based politics and endangering their people.
The governor's remarks are seen as attempts to appeal to former President Trump, under whom she is considered a potential vice-presidential candidate.
In response to the bans, Noem has called on tribal leaders to focus on banishing cartels rather than barring her, a stance that has not alleviated the situation.