Senate Confirms Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary Amid Trump’s Energy Expansion Plans

The Senate confirmed Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior on Thursday, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s agenda to expand domestic fossil fuel production. The vote was 79-18, with over half of Senate Democrats joining all 53 Republicans in support.

Burgum, 68, is a billionaire entrepreneur from North Dakota who built his fortune in software. As a two-term governor, he oversaw the state’s thriving oil and gas industry. After briefly running for president in 2023, he withdrew and endorsed Trump.

In addition to leading the Interior Department, Burgum will chair the newly established National Energy Council and hold a historic seat on the National Security Council. His mandate includes streamlining energy development on public lands and increasing oil production.

With Burgum’s confirmation, Trump has secured eight Cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Meanwhile, opposition is growing against RFK Jr.’s nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary, led by former Vice President Mike Pence and his organization, Advancing American Freedom. They cite Kennedy’s past abortion stance as a disqualifying factor, though most GOP senators remain supportive after private meetings with him.