Trump Names Former Presidential Primary Opponent As Secretary Of The Interior [WATCH]

President-elect Donald Trump has officially announced North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as his nominee for Secretary of the Interior.

President Trump has nominated @DougBurgum to lead the Department of the Interior!

Congratulations Governor! pic.twitter.com/eIPcrPHMIq

— The RGA (@GOPGovs) November 15, 2024

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The announcement came during a gala at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate on Thursday evening, where Trump hinted at the nomination before formally naming Burgum to the position.

“We have a big announcement, and I won’t tell you the name of his, uh, the exact name. I think he’s an incredible person. He’s got an unbelievably wonderful wife named Catherine. So I won’t tell you his name. Might be something like Burgum, Burgum,” Trump said to attendees, acknowledging Burgum in the crowd. “He’s from North Dakota. He’s going to be announced tomorrow for a very big position. So everybody’s waiting. There he is. Hi, Doug.”

While Trump initially teased the announcement, he ultimately confirmed Burgum’s role, stating that the governor would lead the Department of the Interior.

The president-elect praised Burgum’s qualifications and previewed the administration’s goals for energy and land management under his leadership.

“And we’re going to do things with energy and with land, interior, that is going to be incredible. And so I look forward to doing the formal announcement, although this is a pretty big announcement right now. Actually, he’s going to head the Department of Interior, and he’s going to be fantastic,” Trump said.

BREAKING: President Donald J. Trump announces the nomination of Gov. @DougBurgum as Secretary of the Interior pic.twitter.com/hMEfxyGzVL

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 15, 2024

Burgum, 68, has served as governor of North Dakota since 2016 and endorsed Trump earlier this year after suspending his own presidential campaign.

Known for his focus on energy policy, Burgum has been a vocal advocate for increasing U.S. energy production and streamlining regulations that impact American producers.

During his tenure as governor, Burgum prioritized policies aimed at bolstering the energy sector, particularly in his energy-rich home state of North Dakota.

His experience managing land and energy resources aligns with the mission of the Department of the Interior, which oversees federal lands, natural resources, and energy development.

Burgum was also considered a top contender to be Trump’s running mate earlier this year before the president-elect ultimately selected Senator J.D. Vance in July.

The Interior Department, under Burgum’s leadership, is expected to focus on advancing energy independence and expanding domestic energy production while addressing issues related to federal land management.

Trump’s remarks at the gala emphasized the administration’s commitment to an energy-first approach, which has been a cornerstone of both Trump’s and Burgum’s policy priorities.

The formal nomination is expected to take place on Friday, along with the potential announcement of another key nominee for Trump’s cabinet.

If confirmed by the Senate, Burgum will take charge of a department central to Trump’s vision for energy and land management in the United States.

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