In a strategic move for his incoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to serve as the next Secretary of the Interior. The announcement was made on Thursday night during a gala at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, hosted by the America First Policy Institute. Known for his business acumen and experience in leadership within North Dakota, Burgum’s selection signals a commitment to energy independence, conservation, and resource management across U.S. lands and waters.
Burgum’s political background and familiarity with the complexities of the nation’s interior policies make him a fitting choice to lead the department responsible for managing public lands, natural resources, and Native American affairs. Since taking office as governor of North Dakota, Burgum has focused on initiatives to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, a philosophy likely to shape his leadership in the Department of the Interior.
Doug Burgum’s Background: From Business to Public Service
Before his role in politics, Doug Burgum built his career as a tech entrepreneur, earning significant success in the software industry. He established Great Plains Software, a company later acquired by Microsoft, and his business achievements paved the way for his eventual transition into public service. Since assuming office as governor in 2016, Burgum has focused on revitalizing North Dakota’s economy, encouraging technology innovation, and advocating for responsible energy policies.
As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum will inherit a portfolio that includes oversight of roughly one-fifth of the U.S. landmass. His experience in navigating North Dakota’s unique energy and agricultural landscape could translate into policies that reflect a pragmatic approach to balancing resource extraction with environmental protections.
A Personal and Professional Partnership: Kathryn Helgaas
Doug Burgum’s story is also closely intertwined with his wife, Kathryn Helgaas, a passionate advocate for addiction recovery. Helgaas, who grew up in a small town in North Dakota, has had a profound impact on Burgum’s approach to public service. Her dedication to supporting individuals battling addiction stems from her own struggles with alcohol and recovery, and she has used her platform to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. Their shared commitment to community service and supporting underrepresented groups underscores the values they bring to public life.
Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, Kathryn was raised in a family deeply involved in the agricultural sector, specifically through a John Deere dealership her family managed for over 30 years. With an undergraduate degree in retail business from Arizona State University and an MBA focused on human resources from the University of North Texas, Helgaas cultivated a career in business and human resources. Her professional experience spans multiple industries, including biotech, agriculture, software, and real estate. This broad expertise, combined with her commitment to philanthropy, has positioned her as a respected voice in both professional and volunteer circles.
Kathryn Helgaas: A Voice for Recovery and Resilience
Helgaas’s own journey with sobriety has deeply influenced her advocacy work. Now 22 years sober, she has shared her experiences with addiction openly, encouraging others to seek help without shame. In a candid interview last year, she spoke of her two-decade battle with alcohol and the impact of stigma on her path to recovery. Her story is one of resilience, marked by a profound sense of gratitude for the support and opportunities that came her way once she sought help.
“I spent a lot of years relapsing and feeling like there was no way out,” Helgaas said. “There was a point where I just said, ‘If there’s anybody out there, I need help,’ and I’ve been sober since that moment. It felt like a miracle after years of struggling.” Her dedication to helping others mirrors Burgum’s commitment to public service, creating a unique partnership that inspires North Dakotans and others around the country.
A Memorable Proposal and a New Chapter
Burgum and Helgaas’ relationship began years before their 2016 marriage, built on mutual respect and shared values. In an interview, Helgaas fondly recalled the surprise proposal that marked a turning point in their relationship. “We were both previously married and had thought about having a relationship without marriage because of past experiences. But one day, at a barn with our horses, Doug surprised me with a proposal,” she shared. “It was easy to say yes. He’s so thoughtful and remembers the little things—birthdays, anniversaries, even the kids’ names and high school mascots.” This strong foundation in their personal lives has continued to fuel their public service, with Helgaas supporting causes close to her heart and Burgum leading the state with a compassionate approach.
A Vision for the Future of America’s Natural Resources
As Burgum prepares to transition into his new role as Secretary of the Interior, he brings with him a vision for America’s natural resources that reflects his experience in North Dakota’s diverse landscapes. With extensive oil fields, farmlands, and conservation areas, North Dakota has provided him with insight into balancing resource development with environmental preservation. His track record suggests he may approach national policies with a similar mindset, addressing issues such as public land management, Indigenous rights, and sustainable resource extraction.
The Department of the Interior will likely continue to emphasize energy independence, a priority for the Trump administration. Burgum’s experience with North Dakota’s oil and gas industry aligns with this goal, and he is expected to champion policies that encourage responsible energy production on federal lands. At the same time, he has demonstrated an understanding of conservation principles and may seek to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental health.
Native American Affairs and Collaborative Governance
One of the most critical areas within the Department of the Interior’s jurisdiction is Native American affairs. Burgum’s history of collaboration with Native American tribes in North Dakota, particularly on matters of land use and cultural preservation, offers a promising outlook for this aspect of his role. His administration in North Dakota has shown a willingness to work with tribal leaders, an approach that will be crucial in a federal role where respectful engagement with Native American communities is a priority.
Burgum’s personal and political experience suggests he will bring a collaborative approach to his responsibilities. This may include engaging in dialogues with Native American leaders on land rights, resource sharing, and cultural preservation initiatives, all vital areas of focus for the Department of the Interior.
