Forum of Fargo-Moorhead columnist Mike McFeely joins Aaron and Kate to trace Doug Burgum’s path from software tycoon to “opportunist” politician. McFeely outlines how Burgum abandoned his once-moderate image to become a die-hard Trump loyalist as Interior Secretary, all while chasing his future political ambitions and defending indefensible policies.

In the news: On Monday, Trump slashed Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante by about 90% each (3 million acres total). SUWA’s Scott Braden joins the pod to explain the unlawful basis for the cuts, the elimination of the Bears Ears Commission, Tribal exclusion, and plans to challenge the reductions in court.

News

Day of Action on Monday, July 20th
Trump Sharply Cuts the Size of Two National Monuments in Utah — New York Times
How President Trump and Utah leaders lied and misled on Bears Ears and Grand Staircase — Center for Western Priorities
McFeely: Doug Burgum’s very bad day — Forum of Fargo-Moorhead

Resources

Produced by Aaron Weiss, Lauren Bogard, Kate Groetzinger, and Lilly Bock-Brownstein
Feedback: podcast@westernpriorities.org
Music: Purple Planet
Featured image: Burgum hearing ENR Apr 29

The post Who is Doug Burgum, really? appeared first on Center for Western Priorities.