The former governor of North Dakota is promoting President Trump’s “energy dominance” agenda and wants more oil, gas and mining on public lands.

President Donald Trump tapped Burgum, a billionaire software industry entrepreneur, to spearhead the administration’s ambitions to boost fossil fuel production.

This week in the U.S. Senate, Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum delivered inspiring opening remarks in which he discussed his early life, career path, and family.

Doug Burgum, a billionaire software industry entrepreneur, was confirmed as President Donald Trump’s new interior secretary on Thursday. Burgum abandoned his presidential campaign and quickly endorsed Trump in 2023. Trump has directed Burgum to tap into fossil fuel resources in the US, including from public lands.

Doug Burgum will be the point person for public land management and President Trump’s “drill, baby, drill" agenda to expand oil and gas development.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as the 55th secretary of the Department of the Interior by a 78-18 vote.

The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to confirm former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of Interior. During his confirmation hearing, Burgum emphasized a commitment to advancing U.S. energy production in President Donald Trump’s administration.

During Doug Burgum’s two terms as North Dakota governor, the state repeatedly sued the U.S. Department of the Interior, attempting to rip up rules that govern federal lands in his state and across the country.