In a revealing discourse with Forbes in 2023, Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota and a potential Vice Presidential candidate for Trump, made a bold assertion that the United States is "actually at war with Russia."
He further characterized the massive financial aid funneled to Ukraine by the Biden administration as a "bargain."
As reported by The Post Millennial, Burgum's perspective on the Ukraine military aid is grounded in the country's demonstrated capability to significantly diminish Russia's power. "I dont call that irresponsible spending, I call that a bargain," he stated. He further elaborated, "Were in a cold war with China, and were actually at war with Russiawe just havent sent troops yet. Were sending material, were sending funding, were sending advisors."
Burgum also voiced doubts about the Republican strategy of linking Ukraine aid to border security. He firmly believes that the U.S can simultaneously support Ukraine in its struggle against Russia and secure its own borders. His geopolitical views extend beyond Eurasia, as he has expressed a willingness to deploy American troops in the volatile Israel-Gaza conflict. "Absolutely," Burgum confirmed to voters in 2023.
Curt Mills, writing for the American Conservative, offered a candid assessment of Burgum's stance. He stated, "The true rift in American national security debate is between cocksure primacy and chastened restraint. Either you believe the last quarter century of American foreign policy has been ruinous, or you seek to double down. Whatever his other virtues, Doug Burgum would be another neoconservative in power."
Burgum, a former Microsoft executive, saw his 2016 campaign bolstered by a hefty $100,000 donation from Bill Gates. In 2022, Gates' acquisition of 2,100 acres of land in North Dakota sparked controversy, with Burgum declining to comment on the matter. This move continues to incite anger among North Dakotans and family farm advocates.
Despite his recent alignment with the MAGA movement, Burgum had previously declared that he would never engage in business with President Trump. "I don't think so. I just think that its important that youre judged by the company you keep," he told Chuck Todd. This statement underscores the complex and often contradictory nature of political alliances and the ongoing debate over American foreign policy.
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