Corn Kid Appointed South Dakota's Official 'Cornbassador' By Governor Kristi Noem

Corn Kid, who became famous across the web in recent weeks for his enthusiastic love of buttered corn, has been named the state of South Dakota’s official “cornbassador.”

He's got the juice! 🌽 Congratulations to Tariq, our favorite Cornfluencer for becoming the South Dakota Corn-Bassador! #itscorn #cornkid #recesstherapy pic.twitter.com/gkQtiKylc6

— South Dakota Tourism (@southdakota) September 3, 2022

His real name is Tariq, and since the viral TikTok of him praising corn dropped, his life has changed tremendously. Tariq has appeared in ads, and become one of the most-posted and looked at faces online. His parents, out of a concern for the family’s privacy, have withheld Tariq’s last name.

You met him as “Corn Kid.” Now, Tariq -- the kid who captivated millions when professing his love for buttery corn in a viral video -- has been named South Dakota’s official “Corn-bassador.” https://t.co/MGQTuywJy4

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 7, 2022

My favorite thing about the Corn Kid is none of know his name. Thats right family protect that baby & his personal identity! They are clearly accepting offers that make him happy AND not putting him on display just cuz – which is great digital strategy. pic.twitter.com/v5Zm0MupcM

— #DayWithoutUs – Sept 30 (@LeslieMac) September 5, 2022

His latest appointment was announced in an official executive proclamation by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and marked by a ceremony commemorating a special Corn Day at the Corn Palace. There, Tariq posed with a corncob mascot and spoke to audiences about his love of the staple crop. He met fans, took selfies, and made quite an impression.

The Corn Kid came to South Dakota’s very own @Corn_Palace!!!Welcome to South Dakota Tariq, our official Corn-bassador! Eat lots of corn pic.twitter.com/AlCs11NHJi

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) September 3, 2022

Many online have been urging Tariq and his family to profit more from his viral fame.

hope the corn kid is set for life and never has to work and can have anything he wants and can take care of 7 generations

— dij (@DijahSB) August 28, 2022

somebody tell the parents of Tariq the “corn kid” that $400 for a video for billion dollar companies is incredibly low and you could be charging five figures at minimum.

— niccoya (@niccoyat) August 29, 2022

I’m sorry for being “that person” but I see people giving the corn kid all these titles and shit… they better be cutting that CHECK!!! give that boy some MONEY.

— g baby (@GabsTheGoddess) September 7, 2022

Others had an opposite opinion, contending that it was not proper for Tariq to receive this much attention at such a young age, and that the people who wanted to use him for publicity did not have the best intentions.

I feel bad for the corn kid. I feel like we love him because his love of corn is so pure but within a week the internet turned him in to a corn influencer and now he’s got cameo and in all these ads. They’re just sucking him dry of his pure love for corn.

— ♡ Juju ♡ (@motherjuniper) September 3, 2022

Y’all made the corn kid too famous he bout to grow up like Orlando Brown now

— Solo (I'LL TAKE ANY STRETCH 5 AT THIS POINT) (@PapiSoloTweets) September 7, 2022

The majority of the internet, however, continues to appreciate the wholesomeness and enthusiasm of Corn Kid, and wishes him luck in his new role.

when corn kid said “not everyone has to like it to be the best” that did more for me than years of therapy have

— stoned cold fox (@roastmalone_) August 31, 2022

It’s corn!!I had some fun last night ending the show with Tariq the corn kid who visited the Corn Palace in South Dakota over the weekend. Proud moment as a producer having a legend end my show.Adam247Now</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Megan247Now?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Megan247Now and @Natalie247Now seemed to enjoy this story as well 😂 pic.twitter.com/vfpTIaOzSI

— Jacob Von Murray (@jacobvmurray10) September 7, 2022