he U.S. Senate has officially confirmed President Donald Trump’s selection for Secretary of the Interior, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The former presidential candidate received substantial bipartisan backing, culminating in a final vote of 79-18.
On Wednesday, the Senate voted 78-20 to advance Burgum’s nomination to a full vote. Every Senate Republican supported the confirmation, along with 25 Democrats, while three Democratic senators abstained from voting.
Burgum is anticipated to play a pivotal role in President Trump’s commitments to rejuvenate the American energy sector and eliminate regulations that have hindered essential projects and offshore drilling. “We’re going to implement remarkable initiatives regarding energy and land management. I am eager to make the formal announcement, although this is already a significant announcement. He will lead the Department of the Interior, and he will excel in this role,” Trump stated when he announced Burgum’s nomination shortly after the election.
At 68 years old, Burgum has been the governor of North Dakota since 2016. He endorsed the president-elect earlier this year after halting his unsuccessful presidential campaign. The governor was previously considered a leading candidate for Trump’s vice-presidential pick before J.D. Vance was chosen in July.
During his presidential campaign and his governorship, Burgum emphasized the importance of increasing U.S. energy production and reducing regulations that impede American producers.
Earlier this month, Burgum appeared before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where he informed lawmakers that his primary focus upon confirmation would be national security and economic issues. Trump’s energy policies include expanding shale oil drilling, reinstating the Keystone XL oil pipeline between the U.S. and Canada, and establishing a National Energy Council comprising all agencies and departments involved in energy matters.
During his initial days in office, Trump has enacted several executive measures related to energy policy, including the reversal of former President Biden’s prohibition on offshore drilling and the formal withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords. This agreement would have imposed significant financial obligations on the United States, amounting to trillions, while allowing major polluters such as India and China to contribute minimally.
Burgum stated during his confirmation hearing earlier this month, “As Governor of North Dakota, I also hold the position of Chairman of the North Dakota Land Board, which is responsible for managing the state’s land and mineral resources to generate returns for a state endowment fund that plays a crucial role in funding public education. Additionally, I chaired the North Dakota Industrial Commission, which supervises 16 agencies involved in various sectors, including energy research, geological resources, energy production, and transmission. The governor of North Dakota also chairs the state water commission, which oversees extensive water resources and projects. These responsibilities align closely with those of the Department of the Interior and often require collaboration with its agencies.”
Burgum further highlighted the significant GDP growth in North Dakota in recent years, largely driven by the energy sector. “Demographically, our state has transitioned from one of the oldest to one of the youngest. We have attracted unprecedented levels of talent and investment. I emphasize this because our achievements are rooted in the recognition that we are in an era of remarkable abundance, which we can harness as Americans by prioritizing innovation over regulation. If I am afforded the opportunity to serve as Secretary of the Interior, I will apply these experiences and insights to lead the dedicated professionals within the Department of the Interior.”
With the vote on Thursday, Burgum has become the eighth nominee from Trump’s cabinet to receive confirmation. A vote on Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, is anticipated soon.
