Midwest
Doug Burgum opens up on changing his tune on Trump: 'Want him on your side'
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who one year ago questioned if he would ever do business with former President Trump, opened up on now finding himself as a vice presidential contender in the 2024 campaign.
“[Trump’s] focused, he cares deeply about this country and this is a guy that you would want. You’d want him on your side when you’re fighting for this country,” Burgum told “Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade at his ranch in an exclusive interview that aired Monday.
Burgum, a longtime software executive who propelled himself into politics, responded, “I don’t think so,” when asked about doing business with Trump in July 2023.
BURGUM TOUTS ‘MUCH CLOSER’ RELATIONSHIP WITH TRUMP WHILE STUMPING FOR FORMER PRESIDENT IN BATTLEGROUND STATE
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is one of the people named on Trump’s vice presidential short list. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
“I just think that it’s important that you’re judged by the company you keep,” he told NBC’s Chuck Todd at the time.
Much has changed since he’s gotten to know the former president, however.
When asked that question again during the exclusive pre-recorded interview, Burgum told Kilmeade he would “absolutely” do business with Trump.
“I think of people like President Trump more as an elected leader than as a politician. I mean, he’s really good at understanding politics. But when the guy gets in, he’s leading and he’s leading from the framework of, ‘This is how this would make sense,’” he said.
Now they have teamed up against President Biden and hit the campaign trail to garner support for the GOP ahead of November’s election.
“Joe Biden’s wrong on all the issues that matter,” Burgum said during a live interview with Kilmeade at a West Fargo diner on Monday.
“You heard it here this morning in North Dakota – the border, the economy, inflation, national security. He’s got no answers on all those, and so they have to just turn around and try to attack President Trump about stuff that’s four years ago,” he continued.
The picture he painted of Biden starkly contrasted with the description he offered of Trump during the pre-recorded interview.
THE VEEPSTAKES GOES ‘APPRENTICE’: WILL TRUMP REALLY PICK RUBIO, VANCE OR BURGUM?
Burgum’s wife, Kathryn, also joined the discussion while hosting “Fox & Friends” at their ranch, reflecting on her past struggles with alcohol addiction and becoming a “voice of recovery” in her role as the state’s first lady.
She argued her husband would provide “invaluable” support to the Trump administration, and he would serve as a strong second-in-command.
“That’s absolutely true,” she replied when asked to comment on claims that her husband would be a “steadying force” for Trump should he win in November.
“He’s calm, he’s supportive, he’s caring. He’s such a great problem solver and super innovative, and I think that the support he can provide to the president would be invaluable. This country needs a strong leader and a strong partner with that leader,” she added.
TRUMP VP CONTENDER GETS RINGING ENDORSEMENT FROM ‘SHARK TANK’S’ KEVIN O’LEARY: ‘THIS GUY GETS STUFF DONE’
Kilmeade, shifting his questions back to the VP contender, asked if he would like to be selected for the job.
Former President Trump has yet to select his running mate, but many speculations have been tossed around. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“I think the key thing for Kathryn and I has always been impact. We want to be in the spot where it can have the biggest impact,” he replied.
Other top Republicans being considered for Trump’s vice presidential role include Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has since declared herself an independent.
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LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – We’re learning more about the victims in Friday’s tragedy on Geneva Lake.
Three kids, ages 10, seven, and six, were killed after they were trapped in the sinking boat during the severe storms.
Officials won’t comment on their identities, but FOX6 learned at least two of them were students at the Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD 200) in Wheaton, Illinois.
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The district released a statement, saying:
“On behalf of Community Unit School District 200, our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the children who died in a tragic boating incident in Lake Geneva on July 3. We ask that you join us in supporting these families during this difficult time, and keep them in your thoughts as we all cope with this incredible loss.”
Lake Geneva Police Chief statement
What we know:
The City of Lake Geneva Police Department is opening up on the incident and the property destruction caused by the storms.
The police chief says, in part:
“In moments of tragedy, we often see the very best in people, and that has certainly been true here. While there is still healing ahead, I hope everyone knows how grateful we are for the outpouring of support shown over these past several days. It has been humbling to witness and a reminder that no one faces hardship alone when a community stands together.”
–Chief Ed Gritzner, City of Lake Geneva Police Department
The backstory:
Walworth County experienced what law enforcement described as a “sudden and severe” storm on July 3. The National Weather Service said it created a downburst with peak winds estimated at 90–100 mph.
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The storm downed hundreds of trees and power lines, damaged several buildings and created hazardous boating conditions on Geneva Lake. One boat with 10 people on board overturned and ultimately sank.
Six adults and one child were rescued from the water, while three of the kids were missing when emergency responders got there. Those three children were found and later died despite life-saving attempts.
Emergency response on Geneva Lake after storms lead to calls for water rescue on July 3, 2026.
Who was on the boat?
The latest:
The three children who died have been identified as a 10-year-old girl, a 7-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy.
The boat operator was a 47-year-old man. The other passengers were a 75-year-old man, a 73-year-old woman, a 49-year-old woman, a 46-year-old man, a 44-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy.
The group included residents of Fontana, as well as residents of Batavia and Wheaton, Illinois. All four kids were wearing properly fitted life jackets, according to law enforcement.
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What happened on Geneva Lake?
Dig deeper:
Law enforcement said the boat operator had “extensive boating experience” and was unable to find safe harbor when the storm hit. At least two large waves broke over the bow, causing it to take on water. Another wave hit the side of the boat, causing it to roll, capsize and sink.
The sunken vessel was found in 32 feet of water, and three children were found inside the boat. Divers were able to get them out and bring them to the surface, and they were pronounced dead despite life-saving attempts. Investigators determined they had no external injuries and drowned.
What’s next:
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency are still conducting a joint investigation into the accident. Eleven other agencies assisted with the immediate needs.
The Source: Information in this post comes from the City of Lake Geneva Police Department and Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD 200), along with prior
Iowa
Iowa City Man who ran over people in homeless encampment sentenced to nearly two decades in prison
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – An Iowa City man who pleaded guilty to driving into five people at a homeless encampment last August has been sentenced to serve nearly two decades in prison.
On August 15, 2025, Roman Aguilar Ventura drove his vehicle while under the influence through an encampment near Shelter House, an organization that assists homeless people.
Ventura pleaded guilty to several charges in March, including Operating While Under the Influence, two counts of Willful Injury Resulting in Bodily Injury, and three counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. He also pleaded guilty to Driving While Barred and Driving While License Denied or Revoked.
In addition to his sentence, Ventura will also be subject to a six-year suspension of his drivers license, in addition to substance abuse treatment.
Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.
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