Former ND Gov. Doug Burgum CONFIRMED as secretary of the interior

02/04/2025 / By Ramon Tomey

The U.S. Senate confirmed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as secretary of the interior with a 79-18 vote, reflecting broad support for his leadership and expertise.
Burgum’s appointment aligns with President Donald Trump’s goal of achieving “energy dominance” by expanding oil, gas, and coal production on federal lands and streamlining permitting processes.
As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum will oversee approximately 640 million acres of federal land, manage federal agencies like the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, and lead the newly established National Energy Council.
Burgum emphasized the need for increased baseload power generation – including coal, nuclear and oil and gas – during his confirmation hearing, supporting Trump’s vision of bolstering domestic energy production.
Burgum’s confirmation marks a rare moment of bipartisan agreement in the Senate, highlighting confidence in his ability to navigate the complexities of energy policy and public land management.

In a decisive bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as secretary of the interior on Jan. 30 – marking a significant step in President Donald Trump’s second-term push for American energy independence.

Burgum, a former Republican presidential primary rival to Trump, secured the nomination with a 79-18 vote, underscoring broad support for his leadership and expertise. The 68-year-old Burgum brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as governor of energy-rich North Dakota, where he championed a business-oriented, data-driven approach to governance. His appointment positions him as a key figure in Trump’s ambitious plan to achieve “energy dominance” by expanding oil, gas, and coal production on federal lands while streamlining permitting processes.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) lauded Burgum’s qualifications, stating, “Gov. Burgum knows that America’s natural resources are our greatest national asset. I look forward to working with him to protect our public lands and leverage some of America’s greatest assets for a safer, more prosperous future.” Thune also praised Burgum’s ‘data-driven, consensus-based, think-big work ethic,” which he believes will translate seamlessly into his new role.

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a vocal supporter of Burgum, meanwhile described him as “tailor-made” for the position. “North Dakota embodies Teddy Roosevelt’s multiple-use doctrine for public lands, balancing energy development, ranching, conservation and recreation on some of the most beautiful, productive landscapes in the nation,” Cramer said. He added that Burgum’s leadership in the Peace Garden State and his collaboration with tribal communities serve as a model for the nation.

During his confirmation hearing, Burgum emphasized the need for speedier permitting and increased baseload power generation, including coal, nuclear, and oil and gas. “We have a shortage of electricity, and especially we have a shortage of baseload,” Burgum told senators. “We know that we have the technology to deliver clean coal.” (Related: U.S. must prioritize fossil fuels to secure AI dominance, says Trump’s energy chief.)

From parks to power: Burgum’s dual role in shaping U.S. energy policy

His remarks align with Trump’s vision of bolstering domestic energy production to ensure grid reliability and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. As interior secretary, Burgum will oversee approximately 640 million acres of federal land and 70,000 employees. His department is responsible for managing the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as regulating energy development on public lands and waters.

Additionally, Burgum will lead the newly established National Energy Council (NEC), a Trump initiative aimed at coordinating permitting, production and distribution efforts across federal agencies. As outlined by Trump, the NEC will include “all departments and agencies involved in the permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation and transportation of all forms of American energy.”

Burgum’s dual role as interior secretary and head of the NEC places him at the center of the administration’s energy policy, including the implementation of Trump’s energy emergency executive order.

Burgum’s confirmation reflects a rare moment of bipartisan agreement in a deeply divided Senate. His nomination advanced out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with an 18-2 vote, signaling widespread confidence in his ability to navigate the complexities of energy policy and public land management.

With Burgum at the helm of the Department of the Interior, the Trump administration is poised to accelerate its energy agenda, prioritizing domestic production and infrastructure development. His confirmation underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging America’s natural resources for economic growth and national security, setting the stage for a transformative era in U.S. energy policy.

Check out Trump.news for more stories about the second Trump administration’s appointees.

Watch this video of President Donald Trump naming Doug Burgum as his choice for interior secretary.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.