President-elect Donald Trump announced on November 14, 2024, that he will nominate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Speaking at the America First Policy Institute gala in Mar-a-Lago, Trump praised Burgum, calling him an excellent choice for the position. He revealed that a formal announcement would be made the following day and hinted at another significant cabinet reveal.

Burgum, 68, has served as governor of energy-rich North Dakota since 2016, winning re-election in 2020. He did not seek a third term and earlier this year endorsed Trump after ending his own bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Known for his business-driven approach, Burgum emphasized increasing domestic energy production during his campaign and highlighted the challenge posed by China.

Before politics, Burgum was CEO of the tech company Great Plains Software, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2001. He stayed on at Microsoft as a senior vice president until 2007.

As Interior Secretary, Burgum will oversee the management of about 640 million acres of federal land, with a focus on both conventional and renewable energy. His role will be central to implementing Trump’s energy policies, which include slashing electricity costs and promoting energy development through drilling and mining. Trump has already indicated plans to open up western lands for such activities and to appoint an “energy czar” to oversee oil, gas, and coal production.

Burgum’s appointment comes as part of Trump’s broader agenda to prioritize energy production and reduce regulatory hurdles.