Kristi Noem to GOP: 'We need to get over ourselves'

Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) on Wednesday slammed President Joe Biden and his policies while touting the success of her state and saying Republicans needed to "get over" themselves.

She opened her address at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute by talking about Reagan's impact on her life.

She then turned to speak about Ukraine, calling the situation "tragic," and applauding Zelensky's "willingness to speak truth."

Later in her speech, Noem turned to immigration.

"A country without borders is no country at all," Noem said.

"That's why I've deployed our South Dakota national guard to help ensure that our southern border is secure," she added.

Criticizing President Joe Biden, she said he "won due to media" and blamed his chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan for emboldening Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Biden's policies, specifically on energy "empower America's adversaries by making us weaker," she said. 

The Biden administration has focused heavily on moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, which increased the price of gas. 

Speaking about the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem said, "You got to know me because Liberals started kicking me in the head every night for the decisions that I was making during the pandemic." 

She highlighted how "South Dakota is the only state in the nation that never closed a single business."

Noem also criticized Chief White House Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci.

"Dr. Fauci outright lied repeatedly," she accused. "He used his title and his position as a political weapon against the American people."

Rallying the crowd, Noem said "Republicans must roll back Joe Biden's assault on our Bill of Rights."

Looking toward the future, Noem said, "My advice to the Republican Party is to get over yourself."

She insisted the GOP must be "willing to work across the aisle and make progress."

"We need to get over ourselves and start by listening," she said, telling people to "build a relationship."

This will convince people to support the Republican Party, she concluded.