CNN anchor Kasie Hunt floated a theory on why Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) chose to include a story of how she killed her dog in her new book, arguing that it was potentially a move to appeal to former President Donald Trump.

The claim by Hunt comes after social media erupted over the controversy of Noem’s story, which details how she put down her 14-month-old puppy for its various violent acts. Noem is one of several candidates that former President Donald Trump is rumored to be considering for his vice president in the 2024 presidential election.

“Is she trying to like — so Donald Trump, you know, famously hates dogs,” Hunt said. “He will talk; he’ll use the phrase like so-and-so should be ‘shot like a dog.’ Is she trying to appeal directly to him and his aggressive language?”

Hunt’s claim about Trump hating dogs could relate to comments he made at an El Paso, Texas, rally in 2019 when he said it would look “a little phony” to see him walking a dog around the White House. He also said that he “wouldn’t mind” having a dog but that he did not have the time to care for one.

Noem has defended her story of killing her dog, as South Dakota law states that dogs who attack and kill livestock can be put down. As such, she chose to make the difficult decision to kill her dog Cricket.

Trump has given his stamp of approval on Noem’s new book, describing it as a “winner.” The book, No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward, will be released on May 7.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Earlier this month, Noem said she would support Trump over President Joe Biden “every single day of the week,” even if the former president is convicted in his hush money trial in Manhattan.

The Washington Examiner has contacted a Trump 2024 campaign spokesperson for comment.