Senate confirms Burgum, advances Wright

By Manuel Quiñones | 01/31/2025 06:45 AM EST

Lawmakers are planning to confirm Energy secretary nominee Chris Wright on Monday.

Doug Burgum arrives for his confirmation hearing.

Doug Burgum, President Donald Trump's nominee for Interior secretary, arrives for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 16. Francis Chung/POLITICO

The Senate on Thursday evening confirmed the nomination of Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department with broad bipartisan support.

Lawmakers voted 79-18 for the former North Dakota governor, with 26 Democrats joining the Republicans. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee vote was similarly bipartisan.

Democrats have generally condemned the president’s push for more fossil fuel production while targeting renewable energy, particularly wind. But that didn’t deter many from supporting Burgum.

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During his confirmation hearing, Burgum said, “The American people have clearly placed their confidence in President Trump to achieve energy dominance, and by energy dominance, that’s the foundation of American prosperity.”

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