Gov. Kristi Noem plays with flamethrower her staff bought her for Christmas

South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem was spotted burning boxes with her new Christmas present: a flamethrower.

Noem's staff reportedly bought her the flamethrower for Christmas after she had wanted one for years. 

On Dec. 22, 2020, Noem posted a photo of herself on Instagram firing a flamethrower with the caption, "Is it too late to add something to my Christmas list...."

A spokesperson for the governor at the time said that it was "not her flamethrower," the Argus Leader reported.

RealClearPolitics reporter Philip Wegmann tweeted photos and a video on Christmas of Noem proudly showing off her new flamethrower, which she used to destroy boxes and wrapping paper.

"Perfect!" Noem says at the end of the video when she finishes blasting the trash. 

The 51-year-old mother of three is South Dakota's first female governor. Noem said she would support former President Donald Trump's bid for reelection in 2024, but she is widely considered a contender herself.