On Friday, Doug Burgum was sworn in as the 55th Secretary of the Interior. In his opening statement, he expressed gratitude and shared his vision for the Department's future.

"Grateful to President Trump for the honor to serve as Secretary of the Interior," said Secretary Doug Burgum. "We look forward to delivering on President Trump’s vision for Energy Dominance – which is the foundation of American prosperity, affordability for American families, unrivaled national security, and world peace."

Burgum emphasized the importance of responsible stewardship of America's natural resources. "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!"

He added, "We will treat our natural resources as national assets, which are for the benefit and use of the American people."

Drawing from his experience as Governor of North Dakota, Burgum discussed his work with tribal nations. "In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations. The current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen. At Interior, we will strengthen our commitment to enhancing the quality of life, promoting economic opportunities, and empowering our tribal partners through those principles."

Burgum's appointment signals a new direction for the Department of the Interior as he aims to promote innovation and collaboration to address contemporary challenges.