Donald Trump's potential election mate Kristi Noem faces lawsuit over smile makeover video

South Dakota's governor, Kristi Noem has got into a bit of a pickle.

The South Dakota's governor is being tipped to be Donald Trump’s presidential running mate in 2024 presidential election.

Kristi Noem made a video where she talks about getting her teeth fixed by a dentistry company called Smile Texas. However, her action sparked strict response from a group called Travelers United. The consumer advocacy group took strong exception to her.

The Travelers United sued Kristi Noem as they think she did not play fair. The group said she did not tell everyone watching the video that she she has a financial relationship with that company, Smile Texas."

In the video, Kristi Noem is seen all smiles, talking about how awesome Smile Texas is and how they fixed her teeth after a biking accident. She is even heard saying she is proud of her smile now. “I’m the governor of South Dakota and had the opportunity to come to Smile Texas to fix my teeth, which has been absolutely amazing," she says in the video.

“I want when people look at me to hear the words that I say and not be distracted by something that I’m wearing or how I look or even my appearance. I want them to focus on my thoughts and ideas and what we can do to really make this country better.

“So for me being able to have a confident smile and have my teeth be something that’s not a distraction, but actually is appealing to people will be helpful because I think that it’ll make sure that we’re focused on really the right points that I want to make and make sure that that confidence shines through. I love it.”

The consumer advocacy group said, “Kristi Noem is the governor of South Dakota for a living but seems to have taken up work as a social media influencer as of 12 March 2024.

“Companies, like Smile Texas, pay influencers, like Kristi Noem, to promote their product or service to her followers … Sitting politicians do not typically work as part-time social media influencers.”

Now, the lawsuit asks Kristi to make things right. They want her to add a little note whenever she talks about companies on social media, saying if she is getting anything in return. Moreover, they're asking for some money to make up for what they think went wrong.

The suit said, “ Noem is a smart woman who knew that laws apply to advertising disclosure on social media … but she never fixed any of her posts promoting Smile Texas.

“Travelers United would like to make clear this lawsuit is merely a lawsuit over the lack of advertising disclosure. Governor Kristi Noem has had many accomplishments in office and Travelers United hopes that after correcting her social media posts she continues to do her job of making her great state even better.”