Donald Trump launches a National Energy Council, chaired by Doug Burgum, also named Secretary of the Interior

The President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, announced, Friday, November 15, the creation of a National Energy Council (CNE), whose mission will be to “overseeing America’s path to energy dominance”. He appointed North Dakota Republican Governor Doug Burgum as leader.

Mr. Burgum was also named Minister of the Interior on Thursday, responsible not for the police but for the management of federal lands. This double role arouses the concern of environmental protection organizations, who fear that Mr. Burgum, known for his proximity to the oil and gas industry, will open up to prospecting lands whose Ministry of interior at the expense, such as national parks.

Its mission will be to “reduce administrative formalities, strengthen private sector investments and focus on innovation instead of absolutely unnecessary long-term regulations”it is specified in a press release.

“With US energy dominance, we will reduce inflation, win the artificial intelligence arms race against China [et les autres]strengthen American diplomatic power and end wars around the world »added Mr. Trump, quoted in the text.

Billionaire since selling his company to Microsoft

Candidate in the Republican primary for the November presidential election, Doug Burgum quickly withdrew from the race to support Donald Trump. He was once even considered as a vice-presidential candidate.

Having become a billionaire by selling his software company to Microsoft, this North Dakota native ran for governor of this state in 2016, winning by surprise before being re-elected in 2020.

He had been cited among the potential candidates for the Ministry of Energy, but should ultimately find himself at the head of this National Council, which will report directly to the White House and will not require the approval of the Senate, and the Department of Defense. 'interior.

Karoline Leavitt, 27, White House spokesperson

Donald Trump also announced on Friday that he had named Karoline Leavitt, 27, spokesperson for the White House, where the Republican will move in on January 20, 2025.

The woman who was his press secretary will therefore become the new face of the American executive. “Karoline is intelligent, strong and has proven to be a very effective communicator”Donald Trump said in a statement.