November 14, 2024
Palm Beach, Fla. – President-elect Donald Trump revealed a significant cabinet pick Thursday night, announcing that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will lead the Department of the Interior in the upcoming administration. The announcement came during Trump’s speech at the Americans for Prosperity Gala held at Mar-a-Lago.
“He’s going to be announced [Friday]…I look forward to doing the formal announcement, although this is a pretty big announcement right now, actually,” Trump said to applause. “He’s going to head the Department of Interior, and he’s going to be fantastic.”
Trump emphasized Burgum’s selection as a critical step toward reforming the federal government. “We’re going to reduce regulation waste, fraud, and inefficiency,” he stated. “We’re going to clean out the corrupt, broken, and failing bureaucracies.”
Burgum, a two-term governor and successful former software CEO, brings significant experience to the role. His presidential campaign in 2023 highlighted energy independence and the sustainable development of natural resources as key policy priorities, making him a fitting choice for the Department of the Interior.
A Strong Track Record in Energy and Natural Resources
As governor of North Dakota, Burgum oversaw one of the nation’s leading energy-producing states. His administration focused on advancing energy technologies and leveraging the state’s vast oil and gas reserves to strengthen America’s energy independence.
While Burgum’s bid for the Republican presidential nomination ended in December 2023, his alignment with Trump’s vision for energy dominance brought him back into the political spotlight. A month after ending his campaign, Burgum endorsed Trump during a rally in Iowa, cementing his role as a high-profile surrogate for the former president.
From the Campaign Trail to Trump’s Cabinet
Burgum’s prominence in the GOP grew after he joined Trump’s campaign as a trusted ally, appearing frequently on the trail and in media to advocate for the president-elect’s policies. His work drew praise from conservative circles and positioned him as a strong candidate for a cabinet post.
Trump’s pick underscores his administration’s focus on reshaping the federal government. Burgum’s leadership at the Department of the Interior will be pivotal in overseeing public lands, natural resource management, and the government’s relationship with tribal nations.
In a recent interview on Fox & Friends, Burgum celebrated Trump’s election victory as “game-changing.” He highlighted the role energy will play in diplomacy and national security under the new administration. “America is going to be dominant in energy, which is key to all the diplomacy we do all over the world,” Burgum said.
Cabinet Picks Reflect Trump’s Policy Priorities
Burgum’s appointment follows a pattern of Trump selecting high-profile figures with proven expertise in their fields to head key departments. In addition to Burgum, speculation continues over other potential cabinet members as Trump builds a team to deliver on his campaign promises of deregulation, economic growth, and government accountability.
The formal announcement of Burgum’s appointment is expected Friday, adding to the growing list of appointees who will shape Trump’s administration. As Trump noted in his speech, “It’s time to get to work.”
Sources: Americans for Prosperity Gala, Fox News, Bloomberg via Getty Images
