In the roller-coaster realm of politics, where alliances are as volatile as stock market charts, a surprising twist in the narrative of former President Donald Trump’s potential run in the next presidential election has people talking. And by “people,” I mean those of us who keep our ears to the ground, listening for the faintest rumblings in the political landscape that promise to shake things up. Well, buckle up, because it seems Trump is eyeing a former GOP rival for the vice-presidential slot on his ticket, and it’s not who most would expect.
Now, before you start thinking this is some kind of late April Fool’s joke, hear me out. We’ve seen Trump pull off unexpected moves before, but this one might just take the cake. According to sources in the know, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was once considered a top contender for the VP spot. However, following the release of her autobiography, where she, (and I’m not even kidding), boasts about ending a puppy’s life she deemed untrainable, her VP prospects dimmed faster than a flashlight with dying batteries.
Enter Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, the multimillionaire with a largely self-funded, albeit unsuccessful, presidential bid under his belt. At first glance, picking Burgum seems about as logical as using a sieve to carry water, especially considering he hails from a state that’s as red as a stop sign, contributing a whopping three electoral votes. But here’s where it gets interesting. Burgum is no ordinary politician. The man is a fundraising juggernaut with deep insights into energy, economics, and foreign policy—areas that Trump finds more appealing than a sold-out rally.
Sure, Burgum’s low-key demeanor may not scream “headline-grabber,” but in a political era defined by drama, perhaps that’s precisely what’s needed. Scott Jennings, a former political adviser to President George W. Bush, put it best when he said, “Trump is a casting director. Who looks more like a VP than Burgum?” Indeed, in the search for a vice president, Trump appears to be seeking a blend of loyalty, fundraising prowess, and a drama-free presence that won’t eclipse the main act.
Despite his earlier, less-Trumpy image, which could potentially attract swing-state moderates, Burgum has been actively supporting Trump, fundraising, and bringing in new major donors. His participation in finance meetings and stumping for Trump across various states underscores a commitment that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
In a strategic move, Trump invited Burgum to join him and his family for Easter breakfast, signaling the North Dakota governor’s rising stock in Trump’s circle. With Melania and Barron Trump actively participating in the campaign, this invite speaks volumes about Burgum’s potential role in the upcoming election cycle.