Noem Invites Followers to Pick Their Favorite Cowgirl Portrait of Her

Published: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 5:30 pm

Noem Seeks Public Input on Official Portrait

Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is engaging her social media followers in a unique way, seeking their input on her official portrait. Noem, who previously served as governor of the Mount Rushmore State, has asked her nearly 500,000 Instagram followers to select their favorite Western-themed painting of her. The chosen portrait will be displayed in the state's Capitol building.

The former governor presented three paintings, all created by artist David Uhl. Each portrait depicts Noem wearing a cowboy hat and riding a horse. Noem, 53, has previously spoken about her enjoyment of horseback riding, describing it as a relaxing activity. She has stated that riding provides a respite from the demands of her job, allowing her to avoid constant conversation.

This public request for portrait selection comes amidst recent discussions surrounding artwork displayed in state capitols. Earlier this month, a portrait of President Donald Trump was temporarily removed from the Colorado state Capitol after he criticized it. Trump described the painting as "truly the worst" and expressed his displeasure with its depiction.

BNN's Perspective:

While it's understandable for public figures to want flattering portrayals, the decision to involve the public in selecting an official portrait is a novel approach. It's a move that could be seen as a way to connect with constituents and foster a sense of transparency. However, the focus on aesthetics, while perhaps harmless, does raise questions about the priorities of public officials. Ultimately, the choice of portrait is a matter of personal preference, and it's interesting to see how the public's taste aligns with the subject's.

Keywords: Kristi Noem, portrait, South Dakota, governor, artwork, social media, Instagram, Donald Trump, David Uhl, cowboy hat, horseback riding, state capitol

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