THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Trump Erupts at GOPers over Kristi Noem as Her Support Suddenly Slips
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Jan 29, 2026 
Virginia Heffernan, journalist and culture commentator at The New Republic, discusses the fallout around Kristi Noem. They cover how video and reviews undercut Noem’s account. They explore Trump’s furious attacks on GOP critics. They examine Stephen Miller’s role and how grassroots videos and civic mobilization reshaped the story.
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Noem's Standing Quickly Unravels
- Kristi Noem's position rapidly weakened after a government review undercut her account of Alex Preddy's killing.
- Donald Trump's attempts to defend her have faltered as GOP officials publicly distance themselves.
Video Undermines Official Narrative
- The viral videos disproved Noem's narrative that Alex Preddy had a gun and was an attacker.
- Virginia Heffernan argues ordinary people analyzing footage on social platforms refused to accept her propaganda.
Trump Losing Control Over His Base
- Trump appears increasingly incapable of controlling the narrative or rallying GOP unity around Noem.
- Virginia Heffernan portrays him as a declining, erratic leader losing influence over allies.