During a speech at the America First Policy Institute gala at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Trump revealed a significant announcement regarding the appointment of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to head the Department of the Interior. Trump expressed his confidence in Burgum, stating that he will be 'fantastic' in this role.
Burgum, a former software company CEO who served two terms as governor, had previously launched a White House bid in June 2023. His campaign focused on energy and natural resources, aligning with Trump's priorities.
Although Burgum did not continue his presidential campaign, he remained active in supporting Trump's candidacy. He endorsed Trump for the GOP nomination and became a prominent surrogate for the former president, participating in campaign events and media appearances.
Trump's emphasis on reducing regulation, addressing inefficiencies, and combating corruption resonated with Burgum, who viewed Trump's election victory as 'game changing.' Burgum highlighted the importance of American energy dominance in shaping diplomatic relations globally.
Notably, Burgum was considered as a potential running mate for Trump before Sen. JD Vance of Ohio was selected as the vice presidential nominee. Despite this, Burgum remained a steadfast supporter of Trump's agenda and vision for the country.
With Burgum set to lead the Department of the Interior, expectations are high for his contributions to advancing energy policies and overseeing natural resource management. His background in business and governance positions him well for this new role under the Trump administration.
