WASHINGTON — Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has cleared a vital step in his bid to become Interior secretary.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Former Gov. Doug Burgum, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the the Interior Department as ...

Members of the committee had the opportunity to question Burgum on an array of different topics regarding energy, mineral resources and beyond.

Doug Burgum, Kristi Noem, and Sean Duffy—are among President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Their potential appointments could significantly influence Minnesota and neighboring states.

North Dakota’s Rainbow Energy – which plans to mix coal, crypto, and carbon capture – among those invited to the former governor’s table.

Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum previously told lawmakers that national security and the economy are his top priorities for leading the Interior Department.

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on nomination of Doug Burgum to be secretary of the interior.

The Senate is set to vote Thursday on President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

The Senate will vote Thursday to confirm Doug Burgum for Interior secretary. The chamber will also take a procedural vote on Chris Wright for the Department of Energy.

Burgum met the threshold for a vote to proceed with a full Senate debate, meaning his final vote for confirmation will be Thursday night or Friday.

The Senate voted 78–20 to advance President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, for a final confirmation vote. That isn’t expected until Thursday.