Trump is endorsed by a former rival, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, ahead of the Iowa caucuses

INDIANOLA, Iowa — North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum on Sunday endorsed Donald Trump’s comeback bid for the White House ahead of the Iowa caucuses, a month after he ended his own longshot campaign for the Republican nomination.

Burgum appeared on stage with the former president at a rally in Indianola, where he praised Trump.

“I had the opportunity to sit in the front row,” Burgum said. “I have seen President Trump and what he has been able to do. I’ve seen him as a business leader and I’ve seen him as a governor. I have seen the difference President Trump can make.”

The support of Burgum, who has not built a substantial base in his own presidential campaign, is unlikely to make a difference in Monday’s caucuses, which polls indicate Trump is likely to dominate. But it reflects the sense of inevitability surrounding Trump’s candidacy as his remaining rivals try to build their movement against him.

When Burgum dropped out, he blamed his inability to resonate in the race on the Republican National Committee’s strict requirements to qualify for the debate stage. He qualified for the first two GOP debates using a unique fundraising program, offering $20 gift cards in exchange for a $1 donation so he could deplete his base of supporters. But he couldn’t keep up as more donors were needed to take the stage for later debates.

He nearly missed the first debate due to an Achilles tendon injury he suffered while playing basketball with assistants the night before.

Burgum financed his campaign largely with his own money. Before his time as governor, he was best known as a businessman who led Great Plains Software, which Microsoft acquired for more than $1 billion in 2001. Burgum remained director at Microsoft until 2007. He has led other companies in real estate development and venture capital investments. capital.

He is in his second term as governor and will be eligible for a third term in 2024, although he has not indicated whether he plans to run again.