Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is sworn in during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The Senate voted Jan. 30, 2025, to confirm his appointment. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to confirm former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of Interior.
During his confirmation hearing, Burgum emphasized a commitment to advancing U.S. energy production in President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Senate confirmed Burgum on a bipartisan vote of 79-18, with support from North Dakota Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, who championed his appointment.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said Thursday he’s pleased Burgum is committed to restoring a multiple-use approach to managing public lands.
“People in places like my state and Gov. Burgum’s, where the land is part of our way of life, know that the farmer, the rancher, the forester, and other landowners are some of the best conservationists,” Thune said.
The Department of the Interior manages federal natural and cultural resources with about 70,000 employees and an $18 billion budget.
The department includes 11 agencies: the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation & Enforcement, and the bureaus of Indian Affairs, Indian Education, Land Management, Ocean Energy Management, Reclamation, Safety & Environmental Enforcement, and Trust Funds Administration.
“Serving as Interior Secretary is an opportunity to redefine and improve upon the federal government’s relationship with tribal nations, landowners, mineral developers, outdoor enthusiasts and others, with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people,” Burgum said in a November statement after Trump announced his nomination.
Burgum, a wealthy businessman, was elected North Dakota governor in 2016 and served through mid-December. He was succeeded by former U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican who dropped a reelection campaign for Congress after Burgum announced he didn’t plan to seek a third term.
Burgum, a Republican, was a frequent critic of Biden administration policies that threatened domestic oil and gas production and the coal industry. During his two terms as governor, North Dakota sued the Department of Interior and other federal agencies over regulations that affect energy and agriculture.
Trump also tapped Burgum to lead the newly formed National Energy Council, which Burgum has said “will foster an unprecedented level of coordination among federal agencies to advance American energy.” He also will have a seat on the National Security Council.
Burgum served as chair of the North Dakota Industrial Commission, which regulates oil and gas production in the state.
Burgum’s family has a financial interest in some oil and gas leases in North Dakota, as well as ownership of energy stocks, according to federal financial disclosures. A North Dakota Monitor and ProPublica investigation last year found that Burgum voted about 20 times on issues related to companies with which he has a financial relationship, according to a review of meeting minutes.
Burgum has committed in an agreement with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to divest from oil and gas leases and energy stocks. The agreement also outlines other steps to prevent potential conflicts of interest, including resigning from other business positions.
Burgum succeeds Deb Haaland, who was the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary. Leaders of the five tribes that share geography with North Dakota have lauded Burgum as an ally, and other tribes submitted letters of support.
Burgum grew up in small-town Arthur, North Dakota, and became a billionaire by investing in Great Plains Software, which he later sold to Microsoft. He founded a real estate development firm before running for governor in 2016. Burgum launched a presidential campaign in 2023 but dropped out and became the first Republican primary candidate to endorse Trump. He also was a finalist to be Trump’s vice president.
Burgum will be the second former North Dakota governor to serve as a U.S. Cabinet secretary. Former Gov. Ed Schafer led the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2008 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.
This article was first published by the North Dakota Monitor, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: [email protected].
This post was originally authored and published by Amy Dalrymple from Washington State Standard via RSS Feed. Join today to get your news feed on Nationwide Report®.
