North Dakota – Gov. Kelly Armstrong released a statement following the U.S. Senate’s vote to confirm former Gov. Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior. Burgum becomes the second North Dakotan to hold the position, following Tom Kleppe, who served in 1975. Armstrong personally reached out to Burgum to offer congratulations on the confirmation.

Armstrong highlighted Burgum’s qualifications, noting that his background in energy, tribal relations, national parks, and public lands uniquely positions him to lead the Department of the Interior. Armstrong stated, “The strong support Governor Burgum received throughout the confirmation process speaks volumes about his unique qualifications to serve as Secretary of the Interior.”

He further emphasized that Burgum’s experience and understanding of resource management are crucial for the future of the nation. “Doug understands that safe, responsible development of our nation’s abundant natural resources is key to curbing inflation, growing the economy and paying down our national debt for future generations,” Armstrong added. “He will be an incredible asset to the Trump administration and, as chair of the National Energy Council, will help usher in a new era of U.S. energy dominance that benefits all Americans with reliable, affordable power.”

As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum will oversee the U.S. Department of the Interior, a Cabinet-level agency responsible for managing the nation’s natural and cultural resources. The department manages 500 million acres of public lands and employs about 70,000 individuals across various bureaus, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

In addition to his new role, Trump appointed Burgum to chair the newly created National Energy Council, granting him a seat on the National Security Council. Burgum is the first native North Dakotan to lead a U.S. Cabinet agency since former Gov. Ed Schafer led the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2008 to 2009.