Trump Confirms North Dakota Gov. Burgum as Next Interior Secretary
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the United States Department of Interior (DOI) as its 55th secretary. This appointment holds significant implications for tribal gaming and federal land management across the nation.
Doug Burgum speaks at campaign event
The DOI oversees crucial Native American affairs through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which manages trust assets and determines tribal land sovereignty—a critical factor for tribal gaming operations. Under federal law, sovereign tribal lands can operate Class I and II gaming, while Class III gaming requires state compacts.
Burgum's nomination has received positive feedback from tribal leaders, with many expressing confidence in his ability to maintain strong relationships with Native American communities. Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Chairman J. Garrett Renville and Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire both praised Burgum's track record of tribal collaboration in North Dakota.
The appointment marks a transition from current Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve in a presidential Cabinet. While tribes are losing a direct representative, many remain optimistic about Burgum's leadership.
Prediction markets give Burgum a 96% chance of Senate confirmation, significantly higher than some other Trump Cabinet nominees. If confirmed, he will manage:
- 500 million acres of public lands
- 700 million acres of subsurface minerals
- 1.7 billion acres of Outer Continental Shelf
- $18 billion budget
- 70,000 employees
Burgum has pledged to improve federal-tribal relations and enhance responsible resource management while maintaining environmental stewardship for the American people.
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