President-elect Donald Trump has selected North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department.
Governor Burgum, 67, has a background in business, having been involved in a successful software company that was later acquired by Microsoft.
Driving the news: Burgum took a CEO-like approach to governance, focusing on income tax cuts, reduced regulations, and changes to various laws in North Dakota.
- As governor, Burgum emphasized a data-driven approach to governance and prioritized engagement with tribal nations.
- Burgum and his wife have been open about her recovery from addiction, leading him to prioritize resources for addiction treatment during his tenure.
Go deeper: Known as a policy wonk, Burgum has avoided wading into social issues but faced criticism for signing bills targeting transgender individuals while planning a presidential run.
- Despite a short-lived presidential bid in 2023, he focused on priorities of energy, economy, and national security before dropping out of the race.
- Burgum has navigated various crises as governor, including protests over the Dakota Access pipeline, droughts, storms, and leading the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
