• According to anonymous sources, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is expected to endorse former Pres. Donald Trump at a campaign rally in the state’s Rapid City on Friday night, prompting speculation she could be a vice presidential candidate for Trump if he wins the nomination. CNN (LR: 2 CP: 5)
• Noem — who is term-limited as South Dakota’s governor in 2026 — is expected to appear beside Trump at the “Monumental Leaders Rally.” Associated Press (LR: 3 CP: 5)
• Noem stated on Thursday that she would be Trump’s 2024 running mate “in a heartbeat” while also claiming that the former president was in need of a “strong partner if he’s going to take back the White House.” The Hill
• She also stated that having a potential vice president who was a “wife, mom, and grandma isn’t bad either.” The governor also described the role as one where an individual could “make a difference.” AOL
• Asked on Thursday about Noem’s potential endorsement, Trump stated, “I don’t know, exactly.” However, the former president affirmed that he “like[d] her a lot” and thought that “she’s great” and had “done a great job.” Independent (LR: 2 CP: 3)
• Trump will follow his appearance in South Dakota by traveling to Iowa on Saturday. ABC News

Democratic narrative:

• Noem’s potential endorsement of Trump would come as no surprise, given her political alignment and history of cozying up to the former president, regardless of the stakes. Having pushed the hallmarks of the MAGA agenda, the governor is well-suited for Trump.
  Daily Kos (LR: 1 CP: 1)

Republican narrative:

• While South Dakota holds minor political advantages in the size of three electoral votes, the chances of Noem securing the seat on Trump’s ticket cannot be underestimated. Noem finds herself in an enviable position of previously refraining from entering the primary race and holding cards that others have sacrificed in their attempt to become president.
  Newsmax

Nerd narrative:

• There’s a 14% chance that Kristi Noem will be the 2024 Republican nominee for vice president on election day, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
  Metaculus (LR: 3 CP: 3)