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Confirmation process for Doug Burgum for secretary of the interior

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First term: Transition • Confirmation process for Cabinet nominees • Cabinet • Administration

President-elect Donald Trump (R) announced North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) as his nominee for secretary of the interior on November 14, 2024.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing for Burgum on January 16, 2025.[1] The Senate voted 80-17 to confirm Burgum on January 30, 2025.[2] Click here to read more about the confirmation process.

Trump said of Burgum's nomination, "Doug Burgum will protect our Nation's Natural Resources, restore our fabulous Oil and Gas advantage, and Make America, and its Energy, Dominant and Great Again!"[3]

This page includes the following information about the confirmation process:

Confirmation process

See also: Confirmation process for Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees, 2025

Confirmation vote roll call

See also: How senators voted on Trump Cabinet nominees, 2025

The Senate voted 80-17 to confirm Burgum on January 30, 2025.[4]

Summary of Senate vote on Doug Burgum's nomination for secretary of the interior (January 30, 2025)
Party Votes for Votes against Not voting
Democratic Party Democrats 26 16 3
Republican Party Republicans 53 0 0
Grey.png Independents 1 1 0
Totals 80 17 3


The following Democrats and independents who caucus with Democrats voted against his nomination:



Senate confirmation hearing

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing for Burgum on January 16, 2025.[5]

Doug Burgum's Senate confirmation hearing, January 16, 2025

Financial disclosures

The Office of Government Ethics released Burgum's financial disclosures in January 2025. Click here to review them.

About the nominee

Doug Burgum (Republican Party) was the 33rd governor of North Dakota. He assumed office on December 15, 2016. His term ended on December 15, 2024. He was elected to a second term in the general election on November 3, 2020, on a joint ticket with Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford (R).

Burgum was born on August 1, 1956, in Arthur, North Dakota. He received a bachelor's degree from North Dakota State University in 1978 and an MBA from Stanford University in 1980. After graduating from business school, Burgum worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company from 1980 to 1983.

He founded Great Plains Software, which was acquired by Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001.[6][7] He then worked at Microsoft as a senior vice president from 2001 to 2007, and served on several boards before being elected governor, including Atlassian, and Intelligent InSites.[8] Burgum was also a founder of Arthur Ventures, a venture capital firm, and Kilborne Group, a real estate development firm.[9][10] As of September 2022, Burgum's net worth was more than $1 billion and he was among the wealthiest governors in the country.[11]

Burgum first ran for office in 2016 when he ran for and won election for Governor of North Dakota. The state's Republican Party endorsed another candidate in the race, but Burgum won the primary by more than 20% of the vote. He went on to win the general election with 76.5% of the vote. During the 2016 campaign, Burgum said: "I am running as a moderate on social issues and as a fiscal conservative in a state that is socially conservative but has seen government spending rise more rapidly than even our fast-growing economy."[12] He won re-election on November 3, 2020, with 65.8% of the vote after advancing from the Republican primary with 89.5% of the vote. On January 22, 2024, Burgum announced that he would not be running for re-election.[13]

As governor, Burgum signed into law a tax reform package that cut overall taxes by $515 million and restructured the state's personal income tax, collapsing the tax brackets from five to three, and lowering the rate on the highest bracket from 2.9% to 2.5%.[14][15] He also announced a goal to make the North Dakota economy carbon neutral by 2030 without transitioning away from fossil fuels, which are a major industry in the state, saying the state would rely on large-scale innovation and carbon capture, and would achieve the goal "with zero mandates, zero regulations."[16][17]

He also signed into law an abortion ban that prohibited abortions throughout a pregnancy with limited exceptions up to six weeks for rape, incest, and some medical emergencies. After six weeks, rape and incest victims were prohibited from getting an abortion and only abortions to treat certain medical emergencies were allowed.[18] He vetoed several measures related to LGBTQ issues, including a 2021 bill that would have restricted transgender students from participating in some school sports, and a 2023 bill that would have prohibited teachers from using pronouns for students other than those associated with their sex as assigned at birth.[19][20] In 2023, he signed a bill similar to the 2021 legislation, restricting transgender participation in K-12 sports, that passed the legislature with a veto-proof majority.[21]

Burgum ran in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. He declared his candidacy on June 7, 2023.[22] About his candidacy, Burgum said: "we need a leader who's clearly focused on three things; economy, energy and national security and that is why today I am officially announcing I am running for president of the United States of America."[23] Burgum withdrew from the race on December 4, 2023, and endorsed former President Donald Trump (R) one month later.[24][25] Click here to read more about his presidential campaign. Burgum was among a small group of finalists being considered for the vice presidency by the Trump campaign.[26][27][28]


About the confirmation process

See also: Appointment confirmation process

The confirmation process includes several rounds of investigation and review, beginning with the submission of a personal financial disclosure report and a background check. The nominee is then evaluated in a committee hearing, which allows for a close examination of the nominee and his or her views on public policy. Supporters and opponents of the nominee may also testify.[29]

Once committee hearings are closed, most committees have a set amount of time before a vote is taken on whether the nominee is reported to the Senate favorably, unfavorably, or without recommendation. The nomination will then go to the Senate floor for consideration. Once the nomination is considered by the Senate, unlimited debate is allowed until a majority of the Senate votes to invoke cloture and close debate. Following a vote of cloture, the Senate conducts a simple majority vote on whether to confirm, reject, or take no action on the nomination.[30]

About the Cabinet

A presidential Cabinet is a group of senior federal officials who advise the president on the issues and activities of their respective agencies. The Cabinet tradition is rooted in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which states that the president "may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices."[31]

While not explicitly identified in the Constitution, the Cabinet secretaries are the 15 agency heads who are in the presidential line of succession. The vice president is also part of the Cabinet. These positions, in order of presidential succession, are:

The number of officials in a Cabinet can vary across presidential administrations. The following additional positions are part of Trump's second term presidential Cabinet:

All of the positions above, except for Vice President and White House Chief of Staff, require Senate confirmation.

Other Trump Cabinet nominees

See also: Donald Trump's Cabinet, 2025 and Confirmation process for Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees, 2025

The following table provides an overview of the status, confirmation hearings, and committee and Senate votes for each of Trump's Cabinet and Cabinet-rank nominees in his second term.

Overview of confirmation process for Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees in his second term
Nominee Position Announced Senate committee Confirmation hearing Committee vote Senate vote Status
Marco Rubio Secretary of State November 13, 2024 Foreign Relations January 15, 2025 Favorable (22-0) 99-0 Confirmed on January 20, 2025
Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury November 22, 2024 Finance January 16, 2025 Favorable (16-11) 68-29 Confirmed on January 27, 2025
Pete Hegseth Secretary of Defense November 12, 2024 Armed Services January 14, 2025 Favorable (14-13) 51-50 Confirmed on January 24, 2025
Matt Gaetz Attorney General November 13, 2024 Judiciary N/A N/A N/A Withdrawn on November 21, 2024
Pam Bondi Attorney General November 21, 2024 Judiciary January 15-16, 2025 Favorable (12-10) 54-46 Confirmed on February 4, 2025
Doug Burgum Secretary of the Interior November 14, 2024 Energy and Natural Resources January 16, 2025 Favorable (18-2) 80-17 Confirmed on January 30, 2025
Brooke Rollins Secretary of Agriculture November 23, 2024 Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry January 23, 2025 Favorable (23-0) 72-28 Confirmed on February 13, 2025
Howard Lutnick Secretary of Commerce November 19, 2024 Commerce, Science, and Transportation January 29, 2025 Favorable (16-12) 51-45 Confirmed on February 18, 2025
Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor November 22, 2024 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions February 19, 2025 Favorable (13-9) 67-32 Confirmed on March 10, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Secretary of Health and Human Services November 14, 2024 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
/ Finance		 January 30, 2025 / January 29, 2025 N/A / Favorable (14-13) 52-48 Confirmed on February 13, 2025
Scott Turner Secretary of Housing and Urban Development November 22, 2024 Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs January 16, 2025 Favorable (13-11) 55-44 Confirmed on February 5, 2025
Sean Duffy Secretary of Transportation November 18, 2024 Commerce, Science, and Transportation January 15, 2025 Favorable (28-0) 77-22 Confirmed on January 28, 2025
Chris Wright Secretary of Energy November 16, 2024 Energy and Natural Resources January 15, 2025 Favorable (15-5) 59-38 Confirmed on February 3, 2025
Linda McMahon Secretary of Education November 19, 2024 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions February 13, 2025 Favorable (12-11) 51-45 Confirmed on March 3, 2025
Doug Collins Secretary of Veterans Affairs November 14, 2024 Veterans' Affairs January 21, 2025 Favorable (18-1) 77-23 Confirmed on February 4, 2025
Kristi Noem Secretary of Homeland Security November 12, 2024 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs January 17, 2025 Favorable (13-2) 59-34 Confirmed on January 25, 2025
Jamieson Greer U.S. Trade Representative November 26, 2024 Finance February 6, 2025 Favorable (15-12) 56-43 Confirmed on February 26, 2025
Tulsi Gabbard Director of National Intelligence November 13, 2024 Intelligence (Select) January 30, 2025 Favorable (9-8) 52-48 Confirmed on February 12, 2025
Elise Stefanik U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations November 11, 2024 Foreign Relations January 21, 2025 Favorable (Voice Vote) N/A Withdrawn on March 27, 2025
Michael Waltz U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations May 1, 2025 Foreign Relations July 15, 2025 Favorable (12-10) TBD Passed committee
Russell Vought Director of the Office of Management and Budget November 22, 2024 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs / Budget January 15, 2025 / January 22, 2025 Favorable (8-7) / Favorable (11-0) 53-47 Confirmed on February 6, 2025
Lee Zeldin Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency November 11, 2024 Environment and Public Works January 16, 2025 Favorable (11-8) 56-42 Confirmed on January 29, 2025
Kelly Loeffler Administrator of the Small Business Administration December 4, 2024 Small Business and Entrepreneurship January 29, 2025 Favorable (12-7) 52-46 Confirmed on February 19, 2025
John Ratcliffe Director of the Central Intelligence Agency November 12, 2024 Intelligence (Select) January 15, 2025 Favorable (14-3) 74-25 Confirmed on January 23, 2025


Historical comparison of Cabinet confirmations

Comparison to Biden administration

See also: Joe Biden's Cabinet

The following chart displays how many days it took for the Cabinet secretaries of President Joe Biden (D) to be confirmed after the inauguration in 2021. This chart includes the main 15 Cabinet positions.

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, "Hearing to Consider the Nomination of the Honorable Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior," accessed January 13, 2025
  2. ↑ Senate.gov, "Roll Call Vote 119th Congress - 1st Session," accessed January 31, 2025
  3. ↑ Truth Social, "Trump on November 15, 2024," accessed November 15, 2024
  4. ↑ Senate.gov, "Roll Call Vote 119th Congress - 1st Session," accessed January 31, 2025
  5. ↑ Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, "Hearing to Consider the Nomination of the Honorable Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior," accessed January 13, 2025
  6. ↑ Forbes, "America's Best Entrepreneurial Governor," June 13, 2017
  7. ↑ North Dakota, "Governor Doug Burgum," accessed May 27, 2021
  8. ↑ LinkedIn, "Doug Burgum," accessed May 27, 2021
  9. ↑ The Bismarck Tribune, "New venture capital group formed," October 2, 2008
  10. ↑ Kilborne Group, "Doug Burgum," accessed July 12, 2024
  11. ↑ Yahoo! Finance, "How Rich Are the Wealthiest Governors?" September 21, 2022
  12. ↑ Vox, "Former Microsoft executive Doug Burgum is North Dakota’s next governor," November 9, 2016
  13. ↑ The Hill, "His presidential bid over, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum says he won’t seek a third term as governor," January 22, 2024
  14. ↑ KFYR TV, "Burgum signs $515 million tax cut bill," April 27, 2023
  15. ↑ Ernst & Young, "North Dakota law lowers personal income tax rates retroactive to January 1, 2023," May 9, 2023
  16. ↑ The Dickinson Press, "Gov. Doug Burgum calls for North Dakota to be carbon neutral by 2030," May 12, 2021
  17. ↑ Des Moines Register, "GOP candidate Doug Burgum leans on energy policy prowess in Iowa State Fair campaign pitch," August 11, 2023
  18. ↑ AP News, "North Dakota governor signs law banning nearly all abortions," April 25, 2023
  19. ↑ AP News, "North Dakota Gov. Burgum vetoes transgender sports measure," April 21, 2021
  20. ↑ AP News, "North Dakota governor vetoes transgender pronouns bill," March 30, 2023
  21. ↑ AP News, "North Dakota governor signs trans athlete bans into law," April 11, 2023
  22. ↑ AP, "In Fargo, North Dakota, Gov. Doug Burgum jumps into crowded Republican race for president," June 7, 2023
  23. ↑ Twitter, "CSPAN," June 7, 2023
  24. ↑ NBC News, "Doug Burgum suspends presidential campaign," December 4, 2023
  25. ↑ AP News, "Trump is endorsed by a former rival, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, ahead of the Iowa caucuses," January 14, 2024
  26. ↑ NBC News, "Trump is focused on Doug Burgum, JD Vance and Marco Rubio as his VP search enters the home stretch," June 21, 2024
  27. ↑ ABC News, "Who is Doug Burgum, North Dakota governor and potential Trump running mate?" July 11, 2024
  28. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump’s Vice Presidential Pick Won’t Be Rubio or Burgum, Could Be Vance—Or a Surprise," July 16, 2024
  29. ↑ CRS Report for Congress, "Senate Confirmation Process: An Overview," accessed July 24, 2013
  30. ↑ Congressional Research Service, "Senate Consideration of Presidential Nominations: Committee and Floor Procedure," April 4, 2019
  31. ↑ Constitution Center, "Presidential Advisors," accessed November 18, 2020
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