Podcast Summary: "Governor Kristi Noem | PROOF That Lockdowns Don't Work"
The Charlie Kirk Show | Host: Charlie Kirk
Guest: Governor Kristi Noem (South Dakota)
Date: July 3, 2020
Overview
This episode features an in-depth, unedited interview with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, recognized for her decision not to implement statewide lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Charlie Kirk explores Noem’s decision-making process, the state’s economic and health outcomes, American values, attacks on national monuments, immigration, family, and advice for young conservatives and the Republican Party. Throughout, the conversation is direct, unapologetically conservative, and rich with real-world examples and leadership philosophy.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. No Statewide Lockdown: Constitutional, Practical & Ethical Framework
[03:00 – 07:30]
Notable Quote:
“I knew that I had to live with myself… That is a perilous time, because if you have leaders that overstep their role...that’s when you lose your country.” — Gov. Kristi Noem [04:43]
2. Results: COVID Outcomes, Economic Resilience, and Schooling
[07:30 – 14:30]
Notable Quote:
“They are enjoying this. They’re recognizing the value of serving each other. And that’s really one of the things we don’t talk about enough. We were created to serve people…” — Gov. Kristi Noem [14:41]
3. Defending American Heritage: Monuments, Mount Rushmore, and Historical Literacy
[15:00 – 23:00]
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Attacks on Mount Rushmore
- Noem responds directly to left-wing criticism labeling Mount Rushmore as a "symbol of white supremacy."
- Asserts she will defend the monument as governor: “No, it won’t [come down] while I’m governor, I know for sure.” [15:35]
-
Cultural & Political Motivations Behind Attacks
- Criticizes the left’s efforts to rewrite history and erase American principles.
- Calls for proactive, daily defense of these ideals:
“This is a deliberate attack on the people who founded this country… They want to rewrite our history so they can reset the political agenda.” [16:15]
-
Monuments and Statues Initiative
- Plans to erect statues of the four Mount Rushmore presidents at the South Dakota Capitol, a symbolic response to national monument removal debates.
4. Leadership, Life in Congress vs. Governorship, and Personal Philosophy
[23:10 – 27:40]
5. Advice for Young Conservatives and Coping with Backlash
[28:09 – 31:28]
- Handling Criticism
- Sets boundaries with social media and news consumption to maintain emotional health:
“There’s a very limited amount of time I can spend on social media without it affecting me… Don’t get a thick skin. But you also have to be careful what you put into your mind, because it will change you.” [28:57]
- Warns against a culture addicted to offense, advises not to pick up “burdens” others throw.
Memorable Analogy:
“People are going to throw offenses at you every day...It’s your decision if you want to bend over, pick it up and carry it around…” [30:15]
6. Republican Party: Urgency, Clarity, and Consistency
[31:28 – 32:38]
- Call to Action
- Urges GOP to stand firmly, tell the truth, avoid “waffling.”
- Cites scripture warning about “double minded men” being “unstable in all their ways” as a metaphor for inconsistent politicians.
7. 2020 Election Analysis
[32:38 – 34:25]
Notable Quotes
- “You don’t have the constitutional authority and none of these governors do [to shut down businesses].” — Gov. Noem [05:16]
- “We never closed down… We just say back to normal. And I think South Dakota is largely back to normal.” — Gov. Noem [07:41]
- “This truly is an attack on the heart and soul of our nation. And Republicans better figure out what they believe and start talking the talk and walking it out…” — Gov. Noem [31:31]
- “Think about how your life would change with Joe Biden...you're going to have less money in your pocket, more regulations, etc.” — Gov. Noem [32:52]
- “We did it because it was the right thing to do.” — Gov. Noem [34:54]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp |
|------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Decision not to lock down/constitutional limits | 03:00–07:30|
| Pandemic outcomes and "never closed" narrative | 07:30–09:53|
| Hospitalization stats vs. forecasts | 08:11 |
| School reopening and youth impact | 10:21 |
| Economic resilience/budget/low unemployment | 11:26–14:33|
| Filling jobs previously held by foreign workers | 14:04–14:41|
| Mount Rushmore defense and historical context | 15:35–22:57|
| Noem’s philosophy: "feel good or do good?" | 23:21 |
| Congress versus governorship | 24:11–27:44|
| Advice to young conservatives on coping with online hate | 28:09–31:03|
| Advice to GOP: stability and clarity | 31:28–32:38|
| 2020 election analysis, Trump vs. Biden | 32:38–34:25|
| Closing praise and legacy comments | 34:54 |
Tone and Language
- The conversation is candid, confident, and framed within a conservative, pro-liberty, pro-family context.
- Gov. Noem is pragmatic yet idealistic, speaking with conviction and gratitude for South Dakota's people.
- Kirk’s tone is supportive, animated, and openly admiring of Noem’s actions and leadership style.
Most Memorable Moments
- Governor Noem’s recounting of South Dakota’s COVID numbers—stressing how dramatically wrong projections were and tying it to her trust in South Dakotans’ judgment.
- The segment on seeing American jobs filled by youth and families reinvigorating traditional values [14:11–14:41].
- Noem’s articulation of resilience facing criticism, and her vivid “don’t pick up offenses” analogy [30:15].
- Call for the GOP to abandon waffling and stand clearly for truth [31:28–32:38].
- Defiant commitment to defending Mount Rushmore and American heritage “while I’m governor, [Mount Rushmore] won’t [come down], I know for sure.” [15:35]
Closing
The episode serves as a case study in leadership under fire, emphasizing constitutional boundaries, personal and local responsibility, economic pragmatism, and an unapologetic defense of America’s historical narrative. Noem emerges as a model for conservative governance, delivering both practical results and a resonant value-based message.
For grassroots conservatives seeking strategic insight and moral resolve, this episode is a blueprint for navigating and leading through crisis.