Musgraves turns Noem's dog-killing memoir against her in Texas Senate feud

Key points

• Noem posted on X on Oct. 12 that she preferred Ella Langley over Musgraves and Ken Paxton over James Talarico, the Democratic Texas Senate candidate.
• Musgraves replied, 'I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it,' referencing Noem’s 2024 memoir admission about killing her 14-month-old dog, Cricket.
• Talarico, who attended Musgraves’ Dallas concert, posted a photo with the singer and the caption 'Don't mess with Texas' in support of the feud.
• Noem’s 2024 memoir described killing Cricket, a wirehair pointer, after it killed chickens and displayed aggressive behavior, a story that drew bipartisan backlash.
• Noem did not respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment, and Ella Langley untagged herself from Noem’s original post.

Background

This exchange occurs amid the 2026 midterm elections, where James Talarico faces Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a high-stakes Senate race. Noem, who served as DHS Secretary until her firing in March 2026, has faced scrutiny for her handling of the department and personal scandals. Musgraves, a Texas native, has recently engaged in political support, including a Spanish-language collaboration with Intocable, reflecting her cultural ties to the state.

How outlets are covering it

USA TODAY and MS NOW emphasize the viral nature of Musgraves’ retort and its impact on the Texas Senate race, noting Noem’s lack of response. Rolling Stone frames the incident as a 'petty jab' by Noem, highlighting her 'impressively incompetent' reputation and the broader context of her firing from DHS. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in tone: USA TODAY and MS NOW focus on the political implications, while Rolling Stone critiques Noem’s character and the pettiness of the exchange.

Why it matters

The incident underscores how celebrity endorsements and social media exchanges can influence political narratives in high-profile races. It also revives scrutiny of Noem’s past actions, linking her 2024 memoir controversy to current political disputes. The viral nature of Musgraves’ reply demonstrates the power of cultural figures in shaping public opinion during midterms.

What to watch

Expect continued social media engagement from both sides, with potential further commentary from Noem or her supporters. The Texas Senate race may see increased attention as the feud gains traction, and other political figures may weigh in on the intersection of celebrity and politics. Noem’s lack of response may signal a strategic choice to avoid further controversy.