One of Donald Trump’s rivals is getting a spot in his cabinet. At an America First Policy Institute event held at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday his intent to nominate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior.
Burgum was considered one of the frontrunners for the vice presidency, which ultimately went to Ohio Senate J.D. Vance.
The announcement marks another key appointment for Trump’s incoming administration.
NBC News reports:
“We have a big announcement, and I won’t tell you, it’s — I won’t tell you the name of his, the exact name,” Trump teased in his remarks at Mar-a-Lago, his home in Florida, for an America First Policy Institute event. “I think he’s an incredible person, got an unbelievably wonderful wife named Kathryn. So, I won’t tell you — his name might be something like ‘Burgum.’ Burgum.
“He’s from North Dakota. He’s going to be announced tomorrow for a very big position,” Trump added before he pointed to and waved at Burgum.
Moments later, he announced that Burgum is “going to head the Department of Interior, and he’s going to be fantastic.”
Reached for comment, Burgum spokesperson Rob Lockwood said Burgum’s team is waiting to comment until Friday, when Trump said he will make the formal announcement.
New: Donald Trump announces North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum will be his nominee for Secretary of Interior.
Burgum has been a major proponent of opening up federal lands for oil and gas drilling, increasing domestic production, and reducing U.S. reliance on foreign imports. pic.twitter.com/I6Q2Xjukiu
— Thomas Catenacci (@ThomasCatenacci) November 15, 2024
Burgum, currently serving his second term as North Dakota’s governor, brings a unique mix of business and political experience to the role. Before entering public office, he sold his software company to Microsoft in a $1.1 billion stock deal and served as a senior vice president at the tech company. His professional ventures have also included work in real estate and venture capital.
First elected governor in 2016, Burgum was re-elected in 2020 but chose not to seek a third term, despite being eligible under North Dakota’s term-limit laws. His tenure will end in December when Representative Kelly Armstrong assumes the governorship.
Burgum’s national visibility increased during his bid for the presidency in 2023. However, he suspended his campaign in December after failing to qualify for the November primary debate. His ties to the Trump campaign and his consideration as a potential vice-presidential candidate positioned him as a strong contender for a cabinet role.
The Department of the Interior oversees critical areas, including federal lands, natural resources, and relationships with Indigenous communities. The role is pivotal for advancing the administration’s policy goals, particularly in energy development and land management. Burgum’s business acumen and executive experience are expected to bring a strategic approach to these responsibilities.
