North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Interior Secretary, a move announced at a gala event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday evening.
During the event, Trump hinted at the choice, saying, “I won’t tell you his name, might be something like Burgum, Burgum… he’s going to be announced tomorrow for a very big position. He’s going to head the Department of Interior, and he’s going to be fantastic. Good Doug.”
As a two-term governor of an oil-rich Western state with five tribal nations, Burgum is receiving enthusiastic support from Republicans on Capitol Hill, particularly those critical of President Joe Biden’s energy policies. While Democrats may oppose his push for increased fossil fuel production, they may find some common ground due to his leadership experience.
Former Interior Secretaries, including Ryan Zinke, call Burgum a trusted partner in advancing energy goals
Republicans on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee quickly endorsed the nomination. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the ranking member of the committee, praised Burgum, stating, “He understands the importance of our federal lands for energy and mineral production, grazing, and recreation. As North Dakota’s governor, he’s shown he can balance environmental stewardship with record energy development.”
Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) also voiced support, highlighting Burgum’s contribution to North Dakota’s energy leadership and how his new role could help restore American energy security and achieve energy dominance.
Other Republican senators, such as Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), expressed satisfaction with Trump’s selection, noting the importance of choosing someone familiar with Western issues. “You gotta have a Westerner,” Sullivan remarked earlier in the week.
Burgum also received praise from former Interior Secretaries under Trump. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), who previously held the position, referred to Burgum as a “trusted partner” who helped advance Trump’s energy priorities and supported rolling back the regulatory overreach of the Obama administration.
If confirmed, Burgum will oversee the nation’s public lands and wildlife conservation efforts, while holding authority over oil and gas drilling leases. As a businessman and former presidential candidate, Burgum has long advocated for expanded energy production on public lands and has been a vocal critic of Democratic energy policies.
While Democrats are expected to challenge his stance on energy production during the confirmation process, some have taken a more measured approach. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee, acknowledged, “Could be worse for sure. I look forward to trying to work productively with him.”
However, environmental groups are already voicing strong opposition. Kierán Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity, criticized the nomination, claiming that Burgum would prioritize fossil fuel profits over the protection of public lands and endangered wildlife. “Burgum will be a disastrous Secretary of the Interior who’ll sacrifice our public lands and endangered wildlife on the altar of the fossil fuel industry’s profits,” Suckling declared.
Suckling compared Burgum to Elon Musk, describing him as “an oligarch completely out of touch with the overwhelming majority of Americans who cherish our natural heritage.” He added, “We’re ready to fight Burgum and Trump’s extreme agenda every step of the way.”
