Minot—North Dakotans serving in a Presidential Cabinet is a phrase seldom heard, as it has only occurred a handful of times in U.S. history. As explored in my previous column, figures like Thomas S. Kleppe and Ed Schafer have left their mark on the Cabinet, shaping national policy while cementing their legacies both nationally and within the state. (And, of course, there’s room to debate the contributions of figures like John Davis and others with Cabinet-level influence in various forms.) Now, it appears that Governor Doug Burgum is on the verge of joining this distinguished group, poised to become the next North Dakotan confirmed as a Cabinet Secretary.
With his Governorship at its end, and his nomination to lead the Department of the Interior, Burgum stands ready to bring his leadership to the national stage. In this follow-up, let’s explore how Burgum’s career trajectory has brought him to this pivotal moment and what his leadership in the Trump administration could mean for North Dakota and the nation.
Burgum’s Backstory: From Tech Mogul to Political Outsider
Doug Burgum’s journey to this moment is far from traditional. A billionaire tech entrepreneur and a former business partner and friend of Bill Gates, Burgum was considered an outsider when he first entered North Dakota’s political arena. But before making waves in state politics, Burgum built an impressive career in the tech industry.
Born in 1956 in Arthur, North Dakota, Burgum faced early challenges, including the loss of his father in high school. He attended North Dakota State University before earning a Stanford MBA, laying the groundwork for a groundbreaking tech career.
In the late 1980s, Burgum co-founded Great Plains Software, a company that revolutionized accounting software for small and mid-sized businesses. His leadership helped propel Great Plains to rapid growth throughout the 1990's, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Microsoft for nearly $1 billion in 2001. Burgum’s tenure at Microsoft as senior vice president of business solutions further solidified his standing in the tech world.
After stepping away from corporate life in 2007, Burgum pivoted to philanthropy and eventually public service. He founded the Burgum Foundation and supported various civic initiatives in North Dakota, becoming a known name well before his gubernatorial run. His outsider status compared to the incumbent coupled with his success as a businessman and philanthropist, struck a chord with North Dakota voters in 2016, propelling him to the governor's office with the largest percentage of total votes in over 60 years.
Burgum’s Tenure as Governor: Innovation and Pragmatism
Doug Burgum’s tenure as North Dakota’s governor was defined by a strong commitment to innovation, efficiency, and collaboration. Early in his time in office, he introduced the Reinventing Government initiative, aiming to modernize state operations, streamline bureaucracy, and enhance efficiency. This initiative focused on making state government more transparent and responsive to citizens' needs, reflecting Burgum’s business-savvy approach. By emphasizing accountability he sought to prepare the state for future challenges while ensuring its government remained nimble and effective.
Building on this foundation of innovation, Burgum turned his attention to North Dakota’s energy future. His policies reflected a vision that balanced economic growth with environmental responsibility. Under Burgum's leadership, North Dakota emerged as a pioneer in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, with multiple pilot projects operational by 2024. His administration's goal of carbon neutrality by 2030 spurred public-private partnerships, though its feasibility remains in question.
Burgum’s administration prioritized collaboration with Native American tribes, tackling issues like law enforcement access to reservations and tax-sharing agreements. While initiatives like the permanent display of tribal flags outside the governor’s office were symbolic, some tribal leaders noted gaps in consultation and follow-through, potentially an area requiring stronger focus in his potential Cabinet role. These efforts aimed to address historical disparities while fostering new economic opportunities, reflecting Burgum’s broader commitment to growth and shared prosperity.
Burgum’s dedication to preserving North Dakota’s natural resources also remained a priority throughout his governorship. He championed the protection of the state’s treasured public lands, particularly Theodore Roosevelt National Park, while advocating for a balanced approach to land use. Burgum’s policies largely ensured that North Dakota’s natural heritage would be safeguarded for future generations, while also supporting the state’s economic interests.
The Path to the Cabinet: A Presidential Bid and Strategic Shifts
Burgum’s political journey didn’t stop with his gubernatorial tenure. In June 2023, he made a high-profile move by entering the 2024 Presidential race. Despite his leadership experience, Burgum’s presidential campaign failed to gain traction, and by January 2024, just before the Iowa Caucus, Burgum withdrew from the race and endorsed Donald Trump. This decision, coupled with his choice not to seek a third term as governor, set the stage for an exciting new opportunity.
While Burgum had been a prominent surrogate for Trump, campaigning in swing states and taking part in international delegations, his ambitions took another turn. Many linked him as one of the top finalists for Vice President going into the 2024 Republican National Convention. During the event, he would eventually be beat out by young first term Senator from Ohio JD Vance. After delivering a compelling speech at the RNC, emphasizing energy policy and innovation, Burgum established himself as a national figure and laid the groundwork for what would become his "Plan B"—a Cabinet appointment.
While Burgum may have initially aimed for higher-profile roles like Secretary of Energy or Defense, his nomination as Secretary of the Interior is a natural fit. Overseeing public lands, natural resources, and tribal affairs, the department aligns with Burgum’s expertise in resource management and innovation, cultivated during his tenure in North Dakota.
Doug Burgum’s confirmation as Secretary of the Interior brings attention to his ability to navigate the complex interplay of resource development, conservation, and tribal relations. As North Dakota’s governor, his forward-looking policies on energy and land management positioned the state as a leader in innovation, but the national stage will test whether these initiatives can address broader and more contentious challenges.
Burgum’s advocacy for carbon capture and renewable energy technologies has drawn praise, yet questions remain about their effectiveness. North Dakota’s leadership in carbon capture and storage (CCS) under his administration has not significantly reduced reliance on fossil fuels. His ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 remains largely unfulfilled, underscoring the difficulty of scaling these policies to address climate change at a federal level. As Interior Secretary, he will face the challenge of integrating these experimental approaches into a cohesive national strategy that balances his own thoughts and opinions against party policy.
Overseeing energy development on federal lands would place Burgum at the center of contentious debates about balancing energy independence with environmental protection. His track record suggests a focus on expanding drilling and streamlining regulations, aligning with the Trump administration’s priorities. However, this approach risks alienating environmental advocates and potentially undermining conservation goals. While industry leaders may welcome his pragmatic governance style, critics fear it could prioritize corporate or administration interests over long-term environmental and public health protections.
Burgum’s leadership style, grounded in business pragmatism, has sparked questions about his capacity to build trust and foster truly meaningful relationships with Native American tribes. While his administration in North Dakota made some strides in tribal relations, some tribal members have highlighted persistent shortcomings in his administrations follow-through. As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum will face the critical task of strengthening partnerships and proving his dedication to upholding tribal sovereignty—an essential aspect of the department’s mission. Achieving success in this area will require him to balance his efficiency-driven approach with genuine inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that tribal voices are not only heard but actively integrated into decision-making processes.
His nomination invites comparisons to past Secretaries like Bruce Babbitt, who prioritized conservation, and Gale Norton, who championed resource development. Burgum’s potential tenure may aim to strike a balance between these extremes. His energy expertise and business acumen position him as an innovator, but whether he can reconcile these priorities with the Department’s broader conservation and tribal responsibilities remains an open question. Ultimately, his success will depend on his ability to rise above partisan divides and address systemic challenges with a sustainable, collaborative approach being able to balance development with conservation.
As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum faces the challenge of balancing conservation, new resource development, and tribal sovereignty on a national scale. His experience managing North Dakota’s resources and his focus on innovation position him to influence key debates on climate and energy policy. If confirmed, Burgum would elevate North Dakota’s influence while demonstrating how leadership from a small state can tackle some of America’s most pressing challenges.
