GDELTSouth Dakota
Goldstein: 1.9Tone: 3.3
Kristi Noem and horse ‘Iceman’ statue unveiled
PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made an appearance in Pierre on Friday, as she joined all of her predecessors in the famed “Trail of Governors”.
Kristi Noem and her horse Iceman, forever together, are now cemented in history.
The life-sized bronze statue and official portrait can be seen at Hilger’s Gulch in Pierre. Noem said there are many people who helped make her leadership possible.
“No leader does it by themselves, and in South Dakota we truly had a team out of the governor’s office and also the people of this state. When I trusted them with personal responsibility, they made the best decision for them and their families, and I think that’s why we excelled so well,” Noem said.
Noem was joined by friends, peers, her kids and grandkids as well, who had hoped to ride the horse but were told no.
“South Dakota is home, so it’s been so amazing to be here today and to see everybody we love, to talk about memories but also to talk about the future,” Noem said.
The statue was made possible thanks to the work of John Lopez, who has crafted several pieces of governors and presidents.
“It was a challenge for me; I’ve got to make this feminine, it’s got a certain soft look to it. She grew up on a ranch; I grew up on a ranch. We have the same connection, so it was something fun for me to do,” Lopez described.
Noem may already be memorialized, but Governor Rhoden said her impact is still being felt.
“A good book says iron sharpens iron. Just working through some really difficult times really helped me mature in my leadership skills and dealing with that kind of adversity and doing it with poise, and calm and professionalism,” said Governor Larry Rhoden.
Noem said her new title as special envoy is going great, and she’s very proud of Larry Rhoden for continuing her work.
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Goldstein: 3.4Tone: 2.5
Kristi Noem's life-sized bronze statue of her and horse unveiled honoring her governorship
PIERRE, S.D. (TNND) — Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is now memorialized in bronze.
The former Homeland Security Secretary's life-sized statue honoring her governorship was unveiled on Friday in Pierre, South Dakota.
"Well, thank you all for coming today. I will admit that I thought with everybody's busy schedules and everything, there was this little thing in the back of my head wondering if anybody would come to the celebration," Noem said.
And I just so appreciate looking across this crowd of faces to see so many people that I dearly love, so many people that have walked alongside our families over the years, have held our children and have gone to campaign events with us, have rodeos with us, have just done life together. And I think that really, truly is a testimony of what South Dakota is, is that we aren't just citizens of the same state, that we're all members of the same family."
The ceremony also included the unveiling of Noem's official portrait.
"The Trail of Governors I want to thank you for the work that you do, for the history that you're dedicated to, to telling our kids and grandchildren about past leaders. I know I've appreciated all that you've done in educating us and our family about South Dakota, our beginnings, those who stepped up and served, and the fact that you worked with us so much on this statue for me," Noem said.
When they first came to me and said they wanted to do the statue, I said, well, shouldn't I be dead first? And then they said, no, we've done a few of them were the and I said, I would appreciate it if we could wait until then, because it just seemed strange to to do a statue when you're still alive."
"And and I said, well, then if we're going to do what I really want my horse to be in it. And and that made things complicated. Iceman is a very, very special horse," Noem explained.
The statue, featuring Noem and her beloved horse "Iceman," is a part of the Trail of Governors, an art installation honoring South Dakota governors. The bronze statues of former state governors are located across Pierre and the Capitol complex.
The Trail of Governors Foundation said each statue is commissioned to tell the story of the governor's service to the state and is funded by donations.
Each statue has a plaque that highlights each governor's achievements and contributions. QR codes can also be found at each statue, allowing visitors to listen to the governor's biography.
Noem's statue was created by sculptor John Lopez, while her official portrait was created by David Uhl.
Before becoming the state's first female governor in 2019, Noem served in the South Dakota Legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2025, she resigned as governor to join the Trump administration as Homeland Security Secretary.
"The best job I've ever had in my life is being a grandmother. And then behind that was being a mom. And then it was being governor of South Dakota. Mike Rounds used to say that all the time, being governor was the best job he ever had. It truly is an amazing job," Noem said.
I loved working for President Trump. I was telling him a couple days ago, I said, you know, you were the first person really that I've worked for in over 30 years. Ever since my dad passed away, I always was able to work for myself or work for the people of South Dakota. And he said, Kristi it was so easy working for me. Yes, sir. Yes, you're right. It's so easy working for you. But he wishes you all well and he loves the state too. He came back to South Dakota for the fireworks because of his respect for the people of South Dakota. And what you all have done together."
Noem left her role at DHS shortly after a March hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, where senators alleged misuse of government funds on television advertisements and private jets, as well as the use of U.S. Coast Guard housing. Markwayne Mullin now serves as the current DHS Secretary.
Noem was then appointed to her current role, Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
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