Doug Burgum endorses Donald Trump, becoming first 2024 candidate to do so

North Dakota Governor Endorses Trump for President

In a surprising turn of events, ⁢North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who previously challenged former ‍President Donald Trump for the 2024​ GOP nomination, announced his endorsement⁤ of Trump on the eve of‍ the Iowa caucuses.

Burgum, who refrained from criticizing Trump during his own⁤ presidential bid,⁣ made the announcement during Trump’s‌ rally in Indianola, Iowa, alongside⁢ his wife Kathryn.

“Today, ⁣I’m ⁤here ⁣to do something that none of ‌the other presidential primary candidates have done, and that’s endorse Donald J. ‌Trump for the president⁢ of the United States of America,” Burgum declared, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

During ⁤his speech, Burgum⁣ emphasized his ‍disagreements with President Joe​ Biden’s ​policies, asserting that Biden ⁢is “wrong on the economy, ⁣wrong on energy, and⁣ wrong on national security.”

“When I ⁣first took office, President Obama was​ still president. Trying to work with ⁤his administration was a disaster,” Burgum explained. “Then President​ Trump took office ​and everything changed. Heartland states like Iowa and North Dakota were respected. We had a friend and partner in the White House who⁢ understood us and wanted to see our state succeed instead of‍ being burdened by excessive ‌regulations.”

Trump expressed gratitude for the endorsement, stating, “He just has a ‍great record in everything he’s ever done, so on behalf of the Trump family,⁢ we‌ thank you.”

The North Dakota governor, who suspended his campaign in early⁢ December, focused on the economy, energy, and China during his bid but failed to gain⁣ enough momentum ‍to participate⁤ in more than the ‍first two debates.

Given ‍his conciliatory stance towards Trump, Burgum may be considered for a Cabinet position ‌in a future administration.

What are some‍ essential government services that continue ⁢to operate during a government shutdown?

The government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a budget bill or a ⁣continuing resolution to fund the government. This can result‍ in⁢ a temporary suspension of government services and the ‍furloughing of non-essential government employees.

During a government shutdown, essential services such as national ‍security and defense, law enforcement, air traffic control, and emergency ⁣medical services continue to‌ operate. However, many non-essential‍ government services can​ be affected, including national parks ‌and museums, passport processing, and non-essential government functions.

Government⁢ employees‍ who ⁣are deemed non-essential ⁤may be furloughed, meaning‍ they are placed ⁤on‌ unpaid‌ leave until the shutdown⁤ ends and they can return to ‍work. During this time, they may be eligible for unemployment benefits​ or other forms⁣ of ⁤assistance.

The length⁢ and impact of‌ a government ​shutdown can vary. In some ⁤cases, they can be resolved within a few⁣ days or weeks, resulting in minimal disruption. ⁣However, in ‌other cases, they ⁤can last for several weeks‌ or even ‌months, causing significant disruptions‌ to government operations and the economy.