Doug Burgum

The Liberty Score is a rating system assessing how closely an individual’s views align with core Libertarian principles. Scores are based on a 0-100 scale, with 100 representing a fully Libertarian position and 0 representing complete opposition to Libertarian values. The grading criteria include:

Personal Freedom (25 points): Support for individual rights in personal choices, including medical freedom, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
Economic Freedom (25 points): Advocacy for a free-market economy, low taxation, and minimal government interference in business.
Limited Government (25 points): Commitment to reducing the size and scope of government, limiting regulatory power, and upholding states’ rights.
Non-Intervention (25 points): Opposition to unnecessary foreign entanglements, support for a non-interventionist foreign policy, and minimal military presence abroad.

Each category will be scored, then averaged to form the individual’s overall Liberty Score, providing a clear snapshot of their alignment with Libertarian ideals. Grades are provided by AI

Secretary of the Interior

Status: Confirmed by Campaign

Liberty Score: 60

Warhawk Status: Neutral

Liberty Score Assessment:

Personal Freedom (15/25): Doug Burgum has demonstrated a commitment to individual liberties, particularly in areas such as addiction treatment and criminal justice reform. However, his support for certain social policies, including legislation affecting transgender individuals, indicates a mixed stance on personal freedom.
Associated Press
Economic Freedom (20/25): Burgum advocates for free-market principles and has implemented tax cuts and reduced regulations to promote business growth. His background as a successful entrepreneur aligns with Libertarian economic values.
Associated Press
Limited Government (15/25): While promoting economic freedom, Burgum’s support for certain regulatory measures and government initiatives suggests a balanced approach to the size and role of government.
Associated Press
Non-Intervention (10/25): Burgum’s focus has primarily been on domestic policy, with limited public information on his views regarding foreign intervention. His support for a strong national defense indicates a neutral stance on non-interventionist principles.

Bio:

Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota since 2016, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the Interior. Burgum’s tenure as governor has been marked by a focus on energy development, technological innovation, and economic growth. Before his political career, he founded Great Plains Software, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2001, where he then served as a senior vice president. Burgum’s extensive experience in both the private and public sectors positions him to oversee the Department of the Interior’s diverse responsibilities effectively.

The Wall Street Journal

Career Highlights:

Governor of North Dakota (2016–2024): Led initiatives to enhance energy production, promote technological advancements, and stimulate economic development within the state.
Founder and CEO of Great Plains Software: Established a successful software company that was later acquired by Microsoft, where he continued to serve in a leadership role.
Senior Vice President at Microsoft: Oversaw business solutions and contributed to the company’s growth in enterprise software markets.
Advocate for Energy Development: Promoted policies supporting the responsible development of natural resources, balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship.

About the Secretary of the Interior Role:

The Secretary of the Interior oversees the U.S. Department of the Interior, which manages the nation’s public lands, natural resources, and upholds responsibilities to Indigenous communities. This role involves balancing resource development with conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable use of natural assets, and maintaining the integrity of national parks and wildlife refuges. Burgum’s background in energy policy and economic development aligns with the department’s objectives, suggesting a focus on leveraging natural resources to promote economic growth while adhering to environmental standards.