Former VP Finalist Says Trump Called Him ‘Mr. Secretary’ On Call That He Wasn’t Running Mate

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said President Trump called him ‘Mr. Secretary’ on the phone call saying he was not selected as vice president.

“Yes, he did do that. That’s how he opened up the call,” Burgum said.

“It’s generous of him to think that way,” he added.

“Is there a Cabinet position you’re interested in?” CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell asked.

Commerce and energy were two Cabinet positions mentioned in the interview as possible spots for Burgum.

WATCH:

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum says Donald Trump referred to him as “Mr. Secretary” when he called this week to say Burgum would not be his running mate.

“It’s generous of him to think that way,” Burgum tells @NorahODonnell, and he calls JD Vance a “strategic pick.” pic.twitter.com/Qi6x1uOoJO

— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 17, 2024

The Hill reports:

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) said former President Trump appeared to extend on invite to serve in his Cabinet if he wins a second term to the White House, during a call in which Trump informed Burgum he would not be his running mate.

Burgum was one of the top contenders to be selected as Trump’s vice presidential candidate before the former president announced Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate Monday. In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins during the Republican National Convention on Monday, Burgum recounted how Trump told him he was not going to be his running mate.

“Well, I got a call and a great conversation with the president. And he said, ‘Hey, Mr. Secretary.’ He’s always been so positive and so considerate to [my wife] Kathryn and I this whole time,” he said.

“But, as you know, Kaitlan, we were never running for a Cabinet position, never running to be V.P. As a sitting governor, I’ve got 152 days left of the greatest job in the nation, being a governor of North Dakota right now,” he added.

WATCH:

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who was on the shortlist to be Trump’s running mate, tells @kaitlancollins that he received a call from former President Trump where he was addressed as “Mr. Secretary.”

Watch: pic.twitter.com/Z7tCjaziRd

— TheSourceCNN (@TheSourceCNN) July 16, 2024

“Teddy Roosevelt encouraged America to speak softly and carry a big stick. Energy dominance will be the big stick that President Trump will carry,” Burgum said at the Republican National Convention.

WATCH:

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum:

“Teddy Roosevelt encouraged America to speak softly and carry a big stick. Energy dominance will be the big stick that President Trump will carry.” pic.twitter.com/3hzVKQrGYY

— The American Conservative (@amconmag) July 18, 2024

From The National Desk:

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum got a primetime slot to speak on the third night of the Republican National Convention after losing out as a finalist to be former President Donald Trump’s running mate, adding another moment in his rise from a relative unknown to a potential Cabinet secretary.

Burgum ran a longshot presidential primary campaign, dropping out days before the fourth debate and endorsed Trump shortly after. He was a frequent presence on the campaign trail, acting as a Trump surrogate with voters and donors that has gained him influence and a potential spot in a second Trump administration.

Burgum is a frequently floated name as someone who could serve in Trump’s cabinet if he goes onto win the November election. He has ties to the oil and gas industry that is a major part of his state’s economy and received praise from Trump for his knowledge of the energy industry.

During his remarks Wednesday night, Burgum primarily focused on “unleashing American energy” and criticized President Joe Biden for his push to move toward renewable energy sources and away from combustion-powered engines.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

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