Doug Burgum Nominated as Interior Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has officially nominated North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to serve as U.S. Secretary of the Interior and chair of the newly formed National Energy Council. Burgum expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the importance of improving relationships with tribal nations and promoting responsible natural resource use. The National Energy Council aims to streamline energy production and regulation across federal agencies, promoting U.S. energy dominance. Critics, including environmental advocates, have voiced concerns about Burgum’s ties to the fossil fuel industry and potential impacts on public lands. Trump's cabinet announcements signal a significant shift toward expanding domestic energy production and reducing environmental regulations. Both Burgum and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for Health and Human Services, will require Senate confirmation.