Most public attention to President-elect Donald Trump’s top picks for Cabinet and other prominent administration roles has understandably focused on his more controversial choices. Some choices have reinforced the gloomy idea that the Trump reality TV presidency will continue, especially after scandal-plagued U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general.
Nevertheless, Trump has shown the ability to make some remarkably good appointments. For instance, we suspect that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, will make a fine secretary of state, even if we have disagreements over his more hawkish foreign policy stances. Even better, little-known North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — who had a brief run for the presidency himself — is a great pick to lead the Department of Interior. He is a former software entrepreneur, real-estate developer and venture capitalist.
Burgum was tapped to implement Trump’s plan to increase energy production on public lands. We agree with that strategy — and remain astonished the federal government owns so much property.
As the San Francisco Chronicle noted, Burgum is “a popular two-term governor who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt” and is likely to seek collaborative solutions to public-lands issues.
Burgum’s official statement is of the type one expects from traditional — and more serious — Cabinet nominees: “Serving as Interior Secretary is an opportunity to redefine and improve upon the federal government’s relationship with tribal nations, landowners, mineral developers, outdoor enthusiasts and others, with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.”
We’re been pleased by his YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) viewpoints. “So I think one of the things that that we have to look at as country, our housing costs are high in part because of the way that we’ve designed our cities,” Burgum said during a housing conference. “(W)e’ve got to get the coffee shop, the barber shop and law firms back into residential neighborhoods.”
Although housing doesn’t fall under Interior’s purview, the governor’s remarks suggest he’s a disciplined thinker and an advocate for freer markets.
He’s also proof that Trump can do OK when he runs with his better instincts.