November 15th 2024.
Former President Donald Trump has made his decision, and it's causing quite a stir in Bismarck, North Dakota. Trump has chosen the state's governor, Doug Burgum, to lead the Interior Department. This might come as a surprise to some, so let's take a closer look at the man who will soon be taking on this important role.
At 67 years old, Burgum has quite an interesting background. He hails from the small town of Arthur, North Dakota, which has a population of just 328 people. After earning his bachelor's degree from North Dakota State University, he went on to receive his master's in business administration from Stanford University. It wasn't long before Burgum found success in the business world, becoming a wealthy software executive. In fact, he led Great Plains Software, which was eventually acquired by Microsoft for an impressive $1.1 billion. He also held high positions in other companies, including real estate development and venture capital.
In 2016, Burgum decided to enter the political arena, running for governor of North Dakota. This was his first foray into elected office, and he had a clear message of "reinventing" government, which resonated with voters. In a surprising upset, Burgum defeated the state's longtime attorney general in the Republican primary and went on to easily win the general election. He was reelected in 2020, solidifying his position as a successful governor.
Burgum has taken a unique approach to leading North Dakota, treating the state as if it were a business. With agriculture and oil as the main industries, he has implemented policies to cut income taxes, reduce regulations, and make changes to animal agriculture laws and higher education governance. He also places a strong emphasis on using data to make informed decisions and has advocated for a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library to be built in the state. Additionally, Burgum has been open about his wife Kathryn's recovery from addiction and has made it a priority to provide resources for addiction treatment.
Known for his hardworking and inquisitive nature, Burgum has largely avoided getting involved in social issues. However, in 2023, as he was considering a run for president, he signed several bills that were seen as targeting the LGBTQ community. This included a ban on gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youth, restrictions on transgender athletes in sports, and limitations on transgender students in schools.
Burgum's run for president was short-lived, lasting from June to December of 2023. Despite campaigning on issues such as energy, the economy, and national security, he ultimately dropped out due to lack of support. He did, however, make an appearance in two Republican debates and gained attention for offering $20 gift cards to anyone who would donate $1 to his campaign, in order to reach the required number of individual donors to participate in the debates.
As governor, Burgum has faced numerous challenges and crises. He took office during the final months of the Dakota Access oil pipeline protests and has led the state through devastating natural disasters, including droughts and storms. Most recently, he has been at the forefront of North Dakota's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, holding daily press conferences and even making an emotional plea for people to wear face masks. Burgum and his wife also publicly received their COVID vaccinations in 2021.
Despite all of this, Burgum has remained focused on his duties as governor. Last year, while also running for president, he called a special session for the state legislature to address a budget crisis after a crucial bill was struck down by the state Supreme Court. It's clear that Burgum is dedicated to serving his state and its people, and his experience in both business and politics makes him a strong choice to lead the Interior Department.
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