Longstanding official social media accounts of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem have been unexpectedly removed from major platforms without any clear explanation. As of Monday, accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where Noem had accumulated a substantial following, were found to be inactive. Links leading to these accounts from the governor’s official website now redirect to pages indicating their deactivation.
However, amidst the removal of these accounts, Governor Noem’s presence on social media persists through her personal profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, a newly established Twitter account for the governor’s office has surfaced this month, garnering a modest following of around 300 users—a stark contrast to the half-million followers her previous account had amassed.
When questioned about the sudden disappearance of the old accounts, Ian Fury, Noem’s spokesperson, referred inquiries to the new official Twitter account for updates from the governor’s office but refrained from addressing the circumstances surrounding the deletions. There has been no official clarification on whether the removal was initiated by Governor Noem herself or by her office.
Governor Noem, once considered a potential vice-presidential candidate for former President Donald Trump’s 2024 ticket, has recently faced intensified criticism following disclosures in her new book, notably concerning a controversial incident involving a puppy. The removal of her longstanding official social media accounts has sparked considerable speculation and concern among her followers and political analysts alike, compounded by the absence of a formal explanation from her office.
As questions linger and the public awaits further clarification, this incident underscores the complexities and vulnerabilities associated with managing official social media platforms for public figures. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in navigating the digital landscape of contemporary politics, where online presence plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and discourse.
