In a strong rebuke, the White House expressed its disapproval of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's recent comments suggesting that President Joe Biden's dog should suffer the same fate as her own dog, whom she admitted to shooting dead. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled Noem's remarks as "disturbing" and "absurd."

Noem's disclosure about killing her dog, Cricket, in a gravel pit due to its alleged untrainability, detailed in her forthcoming memoir, has sparked bipartisan outrage. The governor, once seen as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, also implied in her book that Biden's dog, Commander, should be put down as well.

Commander, a 2-year-old German shepherd, had been removed from the White House last October following several incidents of biting involving Secret Service personnel and other staff members. According to internal documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Commander had bitten Secret Service personnel in at least 24 incidents. The dog's behavior had raised serious concerns and prompted changes in operational tactics to ensure the safety of White House staff.

Noem's remarks on CBS' "Face the Nation" fueled further controversy as she questioned how many people need to be attacked before a decision is made regarding a dog's future. When pressed on whether Commander should be killed, she insisted that the president should be held accountable and repeatedly asked about the specific number of incidents necessary to take action.

The White House emphasized its love for dogs and condemned Noem's suggestion of putting them down. Press Secretary Jean-Pierre advised Noem to stop digging herself into a hole.

With Commander currently residing with Biden family members in Delaware, it is evident that the safety and well-being of White House staff remains a priority for the president and the first lady. Despite efforts such as training, leashing, consultation with veterinarians, and working with animal behaviorists, the White House environment proved to be too challenging for Commander. This led to the decision to relocate the dog to a different household.

Noem's comments have generated significant backlash, with many expressing their dismay at her disregard for the well-being of animals and her provocative remarks regarding the president's dog. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for leaders to set a positive example.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Governor Noem will address the widespread criticism surrounding her comments on President Biden's dog.