Noem endorses Trump at South Dakota rally amid VP speculation

South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem on Friday endorsed former President Donald Trump's 2024 White House bid at a rally in Rapid City, S.D.

"He shows up for every American and he fights for us every single day," she said. "We've certainly never seen anyone serve in public office before."

"Those who hate America know that he will fight every single day to stop them from destroying this country," she continued, before going on to lament the state of the southern border under President Joe Biden.

"The only person in this president race who will fix that situation is President Trump," she declared. "The only person in the race that I trust to do what needs to be done on these issues is President Trump."

"He is the leader, the fighter that our country needs. He has my full and complete endorsement for President of the United States," she declared.

Noem further urged attendees to get involved in politics and work personally to stand up for their freedoms.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," quoting a phrase often attributed to the 18th Century British politician Edmund Burke.

The governor has been a vocal supporter of the former president and speculation has abounded that she may fill the vice presidential slot on the Republican ticket should Trump again clinch the party nomination.

Noem on Thursday expressed openness to the prospect of running with saying she would "absolutely" consider doing so, if asked.

"I would in a heartbeat. Just because, you know, you respect the position and the person who asks you to do something and then see if you really believe that you could make a difference," she said. "President Trump needs a strong partner if he's going to take back the White House, he's going to need somebody who knows what it's like to run a business, to be an employee, earn a paycheck, but also having a wife, mom, and a grandma isn't bad, either."

Trump is currently leading the field in the race for the Republican nomination, earning an average 38.5% lead, according to RealClearPolitics.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.