Kacey Musgraves criticizes Kristi Noem following social media dispute over politician

Country music artist Kacey Musgraves criticized former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on social media after Noem made negative comments about her, according to the Washington Examiner and Variety. The disagreement began when Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico posted a photograph taken with Musgraves at her Dallas concert on Saturday. [1][2][4]

In response to the interaction, Noem criticized the singer and stated a preference for country singer Ella Langley, as reported by the Daily Mail and Variety. Musgraves then responded to Noem on X, writing that Noem did not have a dog in the fight, but if she did, she would have shot it, according to the Washington Examiner and Variety. [1][2][4]

The comment by Musgraves referenced a past admission by Noem regarding her decision to put down her 14-month-old family hunting dog, as reported by the Washington Examiner and Variety. Musgraves was raised in Golden, Texas, while Noem was raised in Hamlin County, South Dakota. [1][4][9][10]

Separately, the Daily Mail reported that Musgraves spoke about Christopher Columbus during a concert performance on Columbus Day. [5]