Country singer Kacey Musgraves responded to Kristi Noem after the former Homeland Security Secretary criticized her in a social media exchange involving Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
The exchange began after Talarico attended Musgraves’ concert in Dallas on October 10, 2026, and shared photos from the event. Noem weighed in on October 12, expressing her preference for country artist Ella Langley over Musgraves and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton over Talarico.
Musgraves responded on X with a pointed comment referencing Noem’s controversial account of shooting and killing her dog, Cricket, which Noem described in her 2024 memoir.
The exchange brought together country music and politics as Texas candidates continued their Senate campaigns.
Musgraves has previously spoken publicly about political and social issues, making her response consistent with her history of engaging in public discussions beyond music.
The interaction also placed Ella Langley in the conversation, although the exchange centered on Musgraves, Noem, and their differing political views.