‘Hell not’: Internet in disbelief as Doug Burgum claims Donald Trump called him ‘Mr Secretary’ on call

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum said former president Donald Trump extended an invitation for a potential Cabinet position during a call informing Burgum he would not be his running mate. 

Trump announced Senator JD Vance as his running mate instead of Burgum who had been a top contender. 

Doug Burgum says he had great 'conversation with the president' Donald Trump 

Burgum recounted the conversation with Trump in an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. 

"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. 

Burgum, however, stressed that his focus remains on his current role.

“But, as you know, Kaitlan, we were never running for a Cabinet position, never running to be VP. 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.

Doug Burgum ended his presidential bid and has been an active surrogate for Donald Trump

Earlier this year, Burgum endorsed Trump after ending his own presidential bid.

Since then, he has been an active surrogate for Trump in media interviews and appearances.

Alongside Vance, Burgum was considered as a potential running mate as were Senators Marco Rubio and Tim Scott. 

Trump formally announced Vance as his VP pick during the convention. Despite not being selected, Burgum expressed his support for Trump’s campaign.

"Well, there’s going to be no Cabinet positions that President Trump can get out unless he wins. And this is going to be a tight race for sure this fall. I mean, people may feel like it’s a runaway today, but these things always tighten up,” he said according to The Hill. 

Internet reactions to Doug Burgum's commitment to Donald Trump’s campaign and potential cabinet position 

When Kaitlan Collins noted Burgum previously said he wasn’t interested in a Cabinet position, he reiterated his commitment to North Dakota and Trump’s reelection.

“And I would just say … there’s going to be a lot of work to do between now and then. And that’s going to be the focus any time that I’m spending now, is my governing job in North Dakota and making sure that President Trump ends up back in the White House,” he added.

The internet, however, was mostly critical of Burgum’s comments about Trump's possible hint as a secretary if he wins in November.

“I want to hear Nikki Haley say something similar and see her start campaigning hard in swing states and in New Jersey/Virginia which are wobbling away from Biden,” wrote one user on X.

Another commented, “Great choice …” while others were less enthusiastic. “Oh god, save us,” one user said.

Another added, “Let’s hope the hell not.” And one more comment read, “Wow Doug could be part of American Hitler's regime - so proud.”

"Trump probably called him Mr Secretary because he couldn’t remember his current position," joked one. 

"Oh Donald, such a funny guy....Bergabum falling for that, " wrote one more.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online