Trump appoints Doug Burgum to head Interior Department, announces key White House roles
As President-elect Donald Trump moves forward with shaping his administration, he has made significant announcements regarding new Cabinet appointments and White House staff. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has been chosen to lead the Interior Department, alongside being appointed Chairman of the newly established National Energy Council. The move aligns with Trump’s push for “energy dominance” in the global arena.
Doug Burgum Appointed to Lead Interior Department and National Energy Council
Trump officially confirmed Burgum’s appointment on Friday, although the announcement was initially made at a Mar-a-Lago dinner event the previous evening. Burgum, who briefly ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2023, has been tapped to oversee the Interior Department and manage the newly formed National Energy Council. His role will include supervising energy-related matters across all executive agencies, as well as serving on the National Security Council to enhance U.S. global energy leadership.
Trump Names Key White House Communications Appointments
In addition to the Cabinet, Trump has selected key figures for White House positions. Steven Cheung will return as communications director, a role he previously held during Trump’s first term and 2024 campaign. Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s campaign press secretary, will step into the role of White House press secretary, continuing her service from the prior administration.
Republicans Set to Push Trump’s “America First” Agenda
With Republicans in control of the House and Senate, Trump’s presidency is expected to be marked by swift implementation of his “America First” agenda. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the party’s mandate to carry out the legislative goals endorsed by Trump during his campaign, including large-scale tax cuts, deregulation, and immigration reforms.
Controversial Appointments May Face Senate Scrutiny
While many of Trump’s appointments are expected to receive swift approval, others, like former Representative Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, and former military officer Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, have sparked criticism. These appointments, along with those of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Department of Health and Human Services, could face tough confirmation battles in the Senate.
Other Key Appointments
Trump has also named Jay Clayton, former SEC chairman, as Manhattan’s federal prosecutor, and Doug Collins as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He continues to tap trusted loyalists, including his personal attorneys, for high-profile positions in his administration.
The Associated Press provided some information for this report. [VOA News]
