Trump nominates Doug Burgum for Interior Secretary

The former North Dakota governor is a strong supporter of the oil and gas industry

Burgum's nomination is likely to face opposition from environmental groups

President Donald Trump has nominated Doug Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, to be the next Interior Secretary. Burgum is a strong supporter of the oil and gas industry, and his nomination is likely to face opposition from environmental groups.

Burgum served as governor of North Dakota from 2016 to 2022. During his time in office, he oversaw a boom in the state's oil and gas industry. He also cut taxes and regulations, and invested in infrastructure.

Burgum's nomination to be Interior Secretary comes at a time when the department is facing a number of challenges. The department is responsible for managing the nation's public lands and natural resources, and it is facing increasing pressure from climate change and other environmental threats.

Burgum's supporters say that he is a strong leader who has the experience and skills to lead the Interior Department. They point to his record in North Dakota, where he oversaw a period of economic growth and job creation.

Burgum's critics say that he is too close to the oil and gas industry, and that he does not have the experience necessary to lead the Interior Department. They also point to his record on environmental issues, which they say is not strong enough.

The Interior Department is a large and complex agency, and the Secretary of the Interior is responsible for a wide range of issues, including energy development, conservation, and Native American affairs. Burgum's nomination is likely to be closely scrutinized by both supporters and critics.

If confirmed by the Senate, Burgum would replace David Bernhardt, who has served as Acting Interior Secretary since January 2021. Bernhardt is a former oil lobbyist, and his tenure at the Interior Department has been marked by controversy.

The nomination of Burgum is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to roll back environmental regulations. Other moves include the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the reduction of protections for endangered species.

The nomination of Burgum is likely to be a contentious issue in the Senate. The Senate is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, and Burgum's nomination will need the support of at least some Democrats in order to be confirmed.