Trump taps North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for interior secretary role

Speaking at a gala at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump praised Burgum’s business acumen and loyalty.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum speaks at a campaign rally. (AP photo)

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will be his nominee for interior secretary. Burgum, 68, a former software executive and one-time Republican presidential candidate, is expected to steer policies on federal lands and natural resources.

Speaking at a gala at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump praised Burgum’s business acumen and loyalty, stating, “He’s going to head the Department of Interior, and it’s going to be fantastic.” Trump said an official announcement would follow on Friday.

As interior secretary, Burgum will oversee 500 million acres of federal and tribal lands, which account for about 20% of the nation’s landmass. His priorities are anticipated to align with Trump’s vision of boosting oil, gas, and mineral production on public lands.

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This marks a significant shift from outgoing President Joe Biden’s climate-focused agenda, which emphasised renewable energy projects and conservation leasing. Burgum’s leadership could reverse Biden’s policies, potentially ramping up new oil and gas leases in regions like the Gulf of Mexico and energy-rich states such as Wyoming and New Mexico.

Drilling on federal lands contributes roughly a quarter of US oil production and 12% of gas output. Under Biden, the pace of new drilling permits and leases declined, but Trump has signalled plans to increase activity.

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The announcement came at a high-profile event featuring guests like Elon Musk, actor Sylvester Stallone, and other members of Trump’s incoming administration. Trump commended his cabinet picks and highlighted his administration’s mandate for change.

Since his election, Trump has appointed several loyalists to key positions.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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