New Delhi, January 30: US President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy after offering an unconventional explanation for appointing Doug Burgum as US interior secretary, remarks that quickly triggered backlash and reignited criticism over his comments about women.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday while signing an executive order focused on tackling drug addiction, Trump recalled how he first noticed Burgum and his wife, Kathryn Burgum, in a campaign style video showing the couple riding horses. According to Trump, it was Kathryn who immediately caught his attention.

“I saw them riding horses in a video and I said, ‘Who is that?’” Trump said, gesturing toward Kathryn Burgum, who was standing beside her husband during the event. “I was talking about her, not him.” Donald Trump Warns Iran to Negotiate as Massive US Armada En Route, Saying Failure Could Lead to Far Worse Military Action.

Donald Trump Says He Chose Doug Burgum After Noticing His Wife in Campaign Video 

Trump added that aides later explained who the couple were, saying that was enough to leave a strong impression. “They explained it, and I said, ‘I’m going to hire him,’ because anybody that has somebody like you to be with, it’s an amazing tribute,” the President said. Donald Trump Threatens Canada With 50% Tariff on Aircraft, US President Accuses Ottawa of Blocking Gulfstream Jet Certifications.

Although Trump went on to praise Burgum’s professional credentials, including his background as a successful businessman and his two terms as governor of North Dakota, he repeatedly returned to the role he said Kathryn Burgum played in her husband’s success.

“It’s a great couple, amazing couple, and she is very much a part of his big success,” Trump said, adding, “And I’ll tell you what, Kathryn is a very big part of it.”

Kathryn Burgum had earlier spoken at the event about her recovery from addiction and expressed support for the administration’s initiative to address substance abuse.

However, Trump’s comments quickly drew criticism online and from political opponents, with many questioning the tone and intent of explaining a cabinet appointment through remarks about a woman’s appearance. Critics also pointed to Trump’s long history of controversial statements about women, often focusing on looks rather than qualifications, a pattern that has followed him throughout his public and political career.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 09:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).