The Kristi Noem Statue Nobody Asked For

It’s time for Noem to ride off into the political sunset

Former Gov. Kristi Noem speaks with attendees at the unveiling of her statue on the Trail of Governors on Aug. 7, 2026, in Pierre, South Dakota. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)The latest addition to Pierre’s Trail of Governors stands out. It’s not because it’s the only statue of a woman. It’s not because it’s the only one accompanied by half a horse. It represents a career of political tumult. A career from which it’s unlikely…

The Kristi Noem Statue Nobody Asked For

It’s just one horseman rather than four, but it certainly portends apocalypse: A bronze sculpture of former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem — who spearheaded Trump’s deadly immigration crackdown in Minneapolis — was just unveiled in South Dakota. She’s depicted in full so-called “ICE Barbie” attire, because that’s the kind of year we’re having. The Medina Triennial, thankfully, is a breath of fresh air. Sara Reisman visited the New Yo…