The Kristi Noem dog story sparked national outrage, trending on social media with hashtags like BoycottNoem, prompting condemnation from Democrats and Republicans alike, and overshadowing her political career while raising issues of animal cruelty and leadership ethics.

The public reaction to Kristi Noem's dog incident included widespread condemnation on social media platforms like Twitter, with hashtags like KristiNoem trending; animal rights groups like PETA called for accountability, while voters expressed outrage that affected her political standing as a potential Trump running mate.

Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the casting choice on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Supporters highlight Lumley's experience in comedy and drama (such as Absolutely Fabulous) as a perfect fit for Wednesday's tone. Some express curiosity about her role, driving speculation and discussion online.