As Donald Trump considers potential vice presidential picks, it’s astonishing that no one is asking tough questions about North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Instead, those responsible for vetting him seem content to rely on voters’ impressions of an affable Midwesterner. However, some North Dakotans who know better can’t stand the thought of Bill Gates’ friend anywhere near the White House.
On the surface, Burgum has a compelling self-made story. He started as a chimney sweep, took a risk, and sold his company for $1.1 billion. But what about his record during the COVID-19 pandemic? Why doesn’t anyone ask about his handling of the crisis in his state?
Burgum promoted a tracking app for North Dakotans with COVID-19, claiming it would “more efficiently and effectively” identify those who might have been in contact with others who had tested positive. I doubt President Trump would be thrilled about these surveillance efforts.
As governor, Burgum has consistently taken his own path. He poured significant resources into the media, building his brand and narrative. When bombarded with his messaging, North Dakotans twice elected him. However, he never received a single endorsement at a North Dakota Republican convention, opting instead to skip the regular nomination process and jump straight to the primary. This is seen as an affront to Republicans who believe attending a convention is essential for vetting candidates.
Interestingly, Burgum was not chosen as the delegation chair from North Dakota for the Republican National Convention, a role typically held by the highest-ranking Republican. This tells us that his popularity is more superficial than deep-seated, with the grassroots of the party in his home state showing little enthusiasm for him.
Another concern is Burgum’s willingness to allow foreign influence in North Dakota. He was a strong supporter of a Chinese-owned wet corn milling plant, even after concerns were raised about its proximity to a sensitive Air Force base. Now, he’s advocating for a plan to pipe carbon dioxide emissions from other states into North Dakota’s soil, citing economic benefits while ignoring security and safety concerns.
It’s clear that Burgum’s judgment is clouded by economic opportunities, and there are many more questions that need to be answered. North Dakotans want people to make their own decisions, but we should do some on-the-ground investigation before jumping on the Burgum bandwagon.
