Trump Names Burgum to Lead New National Energy Council

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Trump Names Burgum to Lead New National Energy Council \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President-elect Donald Trump has named North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as chair of the newly created National Energy Council. Tasked with overseeing U.S. energy policy, Burgum will also join the National Security Council. Trump emphasized energy dominance, job creation, and cutting red tape as top priorities under his administration.

National Energy Council: Quick Looks

New Leadership: Doug Burgum will lead the National Energy Council and join the National Security Council.
Focus on Energy Dominance: Trump aims to enhance U.S. energy production, reduce regulations, and drive innovation.
Economic Impact: The energy policy will aim to grow the economy, create jobs, and reduce inflation.
Burgum’s Expertise: With a background in software and governance, Burgum brings a data-driven and pro-business perspective.
Key Appointments: Steven Cheung will be White House communications director, while Sergio Gor heads the Presidential Personnel Office.

Deep Look

President-elect Donald Trump has introduced a new strategy to cement America’s position as a global energy leader, appointing North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to chair the National Energy Council. This newly established body aims to coordinate energy policy across the federal government and drive what Trump describes as “energy dominance” worldwide. Burgum, 67, will also hold a seat on the National Security Council, signaling the administration’s belief that energy strategy is integral to national security.

“This Council will oversee the path to U.S. ENERGY DOMINANCE by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the Economy, and focusing on INNOVATION over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation,” Trump said in a written statement. He emphasized that his energy policies would foster job creation, reduce inflation, and strengthen U.S. diplomatic influence globally. Trump also tied his strategy to the ongoing technological competition with China, claiming the U.S. must win the “arms race” in artificial intelligence and other fields.

Burgum’s Role in Energy Policy

As chair of the National Energy Council, Burgum will oversee a sweeping portfolio that includes energy permitting, production, generation, regulation, transportation, and distribution. His mission will be to streamline government processes, encourage private sector investments, and create jobs while reducing bureaucratic hurdles. This aligns closely with Trump’s broader agenda of reducing regulation to spur economic growth.

The role also reflects Burgum’s deep ties to both business and governance. As a former software entrepreneur, Burgum led Great Plains Software, which he sold to Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001. He transitioned to politics in 2016, winning his first-ever election as governor of North Dakota. His tenure has been marked by a pro-business and data-driven approach, pushing policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and modernization of agriculture laws.

Trump’s Vision for Energy Dominance

Trump’s energy dominance doctrine builds on policies he championed during his first term, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the exploitation of U.S. natural resources. Calling oil, gas, and key minerals like lithium and copper “liquid gold,” Trump has urged the U.S. to leverage its energy reserves to strengthen the economy and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

“We will ‘DRILL BABY DRILL,’ expand ALL forms of Energy production to grow our Economy, and create good-paying jobs,” Trump declared, signaling his administration’s intention to aggressively pursue energy independence.

Trump also criticized the “radical left” for what he sees as an assault on American energy industries in the name of combating climate change. He argued that these efforts jeopardize the country’s economic growth and national security. Expanding U.S. energy exports, particularly to European allies, is another cornerstone of the policy. According to Trump, increased energy exports will not only benefit the economy but also make the world safer by reducing Europe’s dependence on unstable or authoritarian regimes.

Burgum’s Background and Alignment with Trump

Burgum’s appointment reflects his alignment with Trump’s energy and economic policies. During his time as governor, Burgum prioritized engagement with tribal nations, backed the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, and supported the state’s energy and agricultural industries. His leadership style combines a focus on innovation with a commitment to deregulation, aligning with Trump’s vision for the National Energy Council.

Although Burgum launched a brief presidential campaign in 2023, his bid failed to gain traction. After withdrawing from the race, he endorsed Trump, reinforcing his position as a trusted ally within Trump’s circle.

Key Staffing Announcements

In addition to naming Burgum to lead the National Energy Council, Trump announced two other prominent appointments on Friday. Steven Cheung, a longtime adviser, will serve as White House communications director. Cheung is known for his aggressive and combative communication style, which he honed during Trump’s campaigns. Before entering politics, he worked for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and in Republican political circles.

Sergio Gor, who co-founded Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr., will head the Presidential Personnel Office. The office will be a key component of Trump’s effort to staff his administration with loyalists. Gor’s publishing company has been instrumental in promoting Trump’s brand, publishing books by Trump and his allies.

Trump praised both Cheung and Gor, describing them as trusted advisers who would bring valuable expertise to his administration. Their appointments suggest a continued focus on loyalty and alignment with Trump’s priorities as he prepares to take office.

The Broader Implications

The creation of the National Energy Council highlights Trump’s intent to prioritize energy policy as a cornerstone of his administration. By tying energy dominance to national security and economic growth, Trump aims to position the U.S. as a leader in global energy markets. This policy shift also underscores Trump’s belief in the role of innovation and deregulation as drivers of economic prosperity.

Burgum’s leadership will be critical in achieving these ambitious goals, given his experience in both the private and public sectors. Meanwhile, the appointments of Cheung and Gor reflect Trump’s broader strategy of assembling a team that is loyal and aligned with his vision for the future of the United States.