'Somebody that I love': Trump reportedly stands by Kristi Noem after puppy-killing scandal

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) has received near-universal condemnation after her own autobiography revealed details about the gruesome killing of her old farm puppy, but Donald Trump is reportedly still singing the politician's praises.

Noem, who earlier on Sunday clashed with CBS host Margaret Brennan over the controversy surrounding the governor's new book, "No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward," was evaluated by Trump along with other potential vice presidential picks, according to Sophia Cai, national politics reporter for Axios covering 2024 elections.

"Trump says he loves Kristi Noem despite puppy killing controversy, per Mar-a-Lago audio obtained by Axios," she reported Sunday.

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"In the audio, Trump at a private luncheon commented on each of the following lawmakers, giving some insight into his thinking," according to her published report.

The article reveals that Trump's response to Noem was that the GOP governor is, "Somebody that I love. She's been with me, a supporter of mine and I've been a supporter of hers for a long time."

The piece also includes insights into Trump's thoughts on other potential V.P. picks, such as Marco Rubio.

"His name is coming up a lot for vice president!" Trump reportedly said of his former 2016 nemesis.

Of Ohio senator J.D. Vance, Trump reportedly said, "He wasn't a supporter of mine at the very beginning... He was saying things like 'the guy's a total disaster'…any ways I got to know him a little bit... As a non politician, he's become one of the great senators."

Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican lawmaker, also got a shout out.

"Somebody who's created something very special politically...I like diversity. Diversité as you would say. I like diversité. [Donors] worth millions of dollars...all want a piece of Byron," according to the report.

Read the full piece here.