A major diplomatic faux pas is unfolding after South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem made a startling and unverified claim about being "invaded" by Belgian security personnel during a trip to Europe. The alleged incident, which Belgian authorities have firmly denied, is detailed in her forthcoming book and has been met with widespread incredulity.
In her account, Governor Noem describes a 2019 visit to Antwerp where she claims a heavily armed homeland security team attempted to board her flight without explanation. She portrays herself as single-handedly refusing them entry, stating she told them, "You are not getting on this plane.… We are not going to let you on here."
Belgian Officials Issue Firm Denial
The story has been met with firm rebuttals from Antwerp. A spokesperson for the Antwerp prosecutor’s office explicitly stated, "No such event ever took place". They further clarified that their airport security teams are unarmed and would never conduct operations in the manner described by the Governor.
The confusion may stem from a simple customs check. Jan Van der Cruysse, a spokesperson for the Belgian federal police, suggested the Governor likely experienced a routine procedure. "What she describes is not something that would happen… Our airport security officers are not armed. It is possible that she misinterpreted a customs check", he explained.
A Pattern of Embellishment?
This incident is the latest in a series of controversial claims from Governor Noem that have strained her credibility. It follows heavy criticism for an anecdote in the same book where she describes executing her 14-month-old dog, Cricket.
Political analysts suggest these episodes are severely damaging her prospects as a potential running mate for Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. The combination of the gruesome dog story and now an alleged international incident that foreign officials deny has created a significant public relations crisis.
The publisher of Noem's book, Center Street, has stated that edits are being made to future editions in the wake of the backlash, though it remains unclear if the Antwerp story will be amended or removed.
