Trump's Explanation for Burgum Appointment Draws Sharp Criticism
Former President Donald Trump generated controversy on Thursday when he shared the unconventional reasoning behind his decision to appoint former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior Department. The remarks were made during a signing ceremony for an executive order addressing drug addiction, an event attended by Burgum and his wife, Kathryn Burgum, who has publicly discussed her recovery from addiction.
"I Said, 'Who Is That?'"
Trump recounted watching a video of the Burgum couple riding horses, which immediately captured his attention. "I saw them riding horses in a video," Trump explained. "And I said, 'Who is that?' I was talking about her, not him. I said, 'I'm gonna hire her,' because anybody that has somebody like you to be with, it's an amazing tribute."
The former president elaborated that upon learning the woman in the video was Burgum's wife, he decided on the spot to hire the businessman. Trump justified this by stating, "anybody that has somebody like you [Kathryn] to be with, it's an amazing tribute and it's a great couple, an amazing couple."
Swift Online Backlash
The comments quickly sparked discomfort and widespread criticism across social media platforms. Numerous users expressed their disapproval of Trump's remarks, with many characterizing them as inappropriate and objectifying.
Prominent reactions included:
- "He is just so incredibly foul" - Jennifer Erin Valent
- "This is pretty repulsive" - JohnJoe
- "DISGUSTING! Trump only sees women as objects" - Vince Wilson
- "Creepy Tio has entered the chat" - Margarita
- "That's so creepy" - Lindaloo
Additional criticism poured in from other social media users who found the remarks disturbing. One commenter noted, "Once again I need to scrub my eyeballs," while another described the situation as "Horrified shudder."
Broader Concerns About Gender Representation
Some critics framed Trump's comments within a larger pattern of behavior. One social media user observed, "This is the same old playbook reducing women to props and 'tributes' instead of respecting their agency. Leadership means dignity and equality, not creepy praise dressed up as flattery."
Other reactions included expressions of bewilderment and disapproval, with comments such as "WTF???", "So weird and awkward," and simply "Disgusting" circulating widely online.
The incident has reignited discussions about appropriate discourse in political leadership and the treatment of women in public life, particularly when personal attributes are cited in professional appointment decisions.
