Doug Burgum has been confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior following a Senate vote of 79-18 in his favor.
Previously serving as the Governor of North Dakota, Burgum brings a strong background in the energy sector to the role, which aligns with the current administration’s focus on energy development.
Appointed by President Donald Trump, Burgum’s duties as Interior Secretary will include advancing the administration’s “energy dominance” agenda.
This involves promoting increased drilling and mining on public lands, which is a key component of the administration’s energy policies.
Burgum’s prior experience includes two terms as governor from 2016 to 2024, during which he focused on economic development, education, and infrastructure.
He was particularly recognized for his efforts to expand North Dakota’s energy sector, especially in increasing oil production.
Prior to his political career, Burgum had a successful entrepreneurial background in the software industry.
Though Burgum briefly launched a presidential campaign in 2023, he withdrew after a few months and endorsed President Trump, which paved the way for his nomination to the position of Secretary of the Interior.
In his new role, Burgum will oversee several key agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Geological Survey, and is expected to focus on facilitating energy projects, particularly oil, gas, and mining activities.