South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is getting a $400,000 taxpayer-funded security fence around her home, with state officials saying her lackadaisical approach to the coronavirus pandemic has helped make her a target.
The governor’s office said there have been no specific threats against the first-term Republican, but that her security team recommended the move.
“In America, we debate issues, we don’t turn to violence,” said Maggie Seidel, a spokeswoman for the governor. “But it only takes one, and per the governor’s security team, putting up a fence around the residence is critical at this time.”
Noem, who served in the House of Representatives for eight years before taking the governor’s seat last year, has emerged as a strong conservative voice and an ardent supporter of President Trump, hosting the commander-in-chief at his July 4th rally at Mount Rushmore.
She has also been among the laxest governors in the country in terms of COVID-19 restrictions, which Seidel said has won her some detractors.
The 8-foot steel fence was first proposed last year and was to include a guardhouse, but that plan was scrapped.
This time, Noem’s office said there are no longer plans for a guardhouse to accompany the fence.
Seidel said some of the costs will be offset by private fundraising, but $400,000 has been set aside in the state budget.
Specific details of the plan have not been released.
With Post wires