Trump official baffles by bragging about 'secret' initiative to honor former president

One of President Donald Trump's cabinet members baffled political analysts and observers on Saturday after reportedly bragging about a new "secret" initiative at a recent event.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum predicted during an event at the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday that he expects the Trump administration to be successful in its efforts to get former president Theodore Roosevelt inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, according to a report by the Washington Post.

“I’d say keep it a secret. Keep your fingers crossed. But I think we’re going to see Theodore Roosevelt inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Burgum said.

Burgum's comments caught political analysts and observers off guard, and they shared their reactions on social media.

"Roosevelt would have driven Trump and his gang out of Washington on horseback," journalist Walter Bragman posted on Bluesky.

"Wtf," Jim Manley, a Democratic strategist, posted on Bluesky.

"After destroying Teddy Roosevelt’s legacy of conserving and protecting public lands - including dismantling the U.S. Forest Service - Trump and Republicans will now try to pimp out Roosevelt’s name for their corrupt purposes," journalist Desi Doyen posted on Bluesky.

"All other problems having been solved...." Don Linn, a publishing consultant, posted on Bluesky.