In a significant win for President Donald Trump’s energy agenda, the U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior. The bipartisan vote was 79 to 18, with more than half of Senate Democrats joining all 53 Republicans to support the nomination.
Burgum, 68, brings a unique mix of business acumen and state leadership to the role. A self-made billionaire who found success in the software industry, he was raised in a small North Dakota farming town where his family operated a grain elevator. He later served two terms as governor, during which he oversaw North Dakota’s rapid expansion in oil and gas development.
While Burgum briefly launched a 2024 presidential campaign, he quickly exited the race and threw his support behind Trump. Now, as Interior Secretary, he will play a pivotal role in reshaping national energy policy.
New Powers, New Priorities
In addition to heading the Interior Department, Burgum will also chair the newly formed National Energy Council, tasked with advancing Trump’s goal of “American energy dominance.” In a historic development, Burgum will also hold a seat on the National Security Council, making him the first Interior Secretary to do so.
President Trump’s directive to Burgum is clear: streamline access to fossil fuel resources on public lands, simplify permitting processes, and ramp up domestic oil production.
Burgum’s supporters argue that his executive experience and industry knowledge make him well-equipped to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth. Critics, however, worry his policies could roll back important conservation protections.
Cabinet Taking Shape
Burgum’s confirmation brings Trump’s confirmed cabinet appointments to eight. Other officials approved by the Senate so far include:
Secretary of State: Marco Rubio
CIA Director: John Ratcliffe
Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth
Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem
Treasury Secretary: Scott Bessent
Transportation Secretary: Sean Duffy
EPA Administrator: Lee Zeldin
Resistance to RFK Jr. Nomination Builds
Meanwhile, opposition is mounting against one of Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The most vocal resistance comes from Advancing American Freedom, a group led by Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence. In a formal letter to GOP senators, the group’s leaders — President Tim Chapman and Board Chairman Marc Short — expressed strong concerns over Kennedy’s past support for abortion rights.
“An HHS Secretary must have a firm commitment to protect unborn children,” the letter stated, warning that Kennedy’s prior views on reproductive rights undermine confidence in his ability to carry out Trump’s pro-life agenda.
Kennedy, who initially entered the 2024 presidential race as a Democrat, has shifted his public stance multiple times. He once expressed support for banning abortion after the first trimester but later revised that position. On his campaign website, Kennedy said he supports the principles of Roe v. Wade and indicated he would back legislation to restore abortion access if the Supreme Court fails to overturn Dobbs v. Jackson.
Despite this history, many Republican senators appear open to confirming Kennedy after personal meetings and reassurances that he will fully implement Trump’s policies.
Looking Ahead
As the Trump administration continues shaping its leadership team for a second term, Burgum’s confirmation marks a decisive turn toward aggressive domestic energy production and regulatory rollback. With more nominees still under review, including Kennedy, the coming weeks promise further political maneuvering — and more debates over the direction of key federal agencies.
