Doug Burgum, the newly-anointed Secretary of the Interior, has long been a curious figure in the American political landscape. A self-made billionaire and former software executive, Burgum is an unlikely candidate for one of the most powerful positions in the federal government.
Born in a small town in North Dakota, Burgum attended Stanford University and earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. After working for a time in Silicon Valley, he returned to North Dakota and co-founded a software company that would eventually become one of the most successful in the state.
Burgum's business success has made him a wealthy man, and he has used his fortune to fund his own political campaigns and support conservative causes across the country. He was elected governor of North Dakota in 2016, and has since been a vocal supporter of President Trump.
Burgum's appointment to the Interior Department was met with mixed reactions. Some Republicans praised his business acumen, while Democrats expressed concerns about his lack of experience in natural resources management and his close ties to the fossil fuel industry.
Burgum has said that he will prioritize energy development, job creation, and conservation during his tenure at the Interior Department. He has also pledged to work with Native American tribes and to promote responsible stewardship of public lands.
Despite his controversial background, Burgum is a shrewd and savvy politician who has a deep understanding of the American political landscape. It remains to be seen how he will perform in his new role, but he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.