Chris Wright & Doug Burgum Confirmed as Trump’s Energy and Interior Secretaries
Chris Wright and Doug Burgum have been confirmed as Secretary of Energy and Secretary of the Interior, respectively. Their appointments signal a strong push for domestic energy expansion and regulatory reform under the Trump administration.
Chris Wright - United States Secretary of Energy
Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy and a longtime advocate for domestic energy production, has been confirmed as Secretary of Energy in a 59-38 Senate vote. His industry expertise and pro-development stance align closely with the new administration’s energy priorities.
An MIT-trained mechanical engineer, Wright built his career advancing oilfield services and energy technology, leading Liberty Energy’s advancements in hydraulic fracturing. He has championed energy independence, positioning fossil fuels as essential for economic growth and national security while acknowledging renewable growth and emphasizing the need for better storage and grid infrastructure. A strong proponent of nuclear power, he advocates for faster nuclear development through streamlined regulations.
Under Wright’s leadership, the Department of Energy is expected to prioritize domestic energy security, expand offshore drilling, and reduce federal oversight of oil and gas production. His approach may shift subsidies away from renewables while promoting technological advancements in fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Doug Burgum - United States Secretary of the Interior
Doug Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, has been confirmed as Secretary of the Interior in a 79-18 Senate vote. His nomination drew broad bipartisan support, with more than half of Senate Democrats joining all 53 Republicans in backing his confirmation.
Burgum, known for his pro-energy stance and advocacy for state-led resource management, is expected to play a key role in advancing President Trump’s “Energy Dominance” agenda. He has emphasized a balanced approach to energy development, promising to expand domestic oil, gas, and mineral extraction while maintaining commitments to conservation and environmental protection.
Following his confirmation, Burgum stated on social media: “Grateful to @POTUS for the honor to serve as Secretary of the Interior. We will achieve Energy Dominance by sustainably developing our natural resources while championing clean air and clean water, protecting our most beautiful lands, and expanding outdoor recreation!”
His tenure is likely to focus on streamlining federal permitting processes, increasing energy production on public lands, and strengthening collaboration with tribal communities to promote economic opportunities and resource development.