Trump Official Using Federal Lands For What?
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is calling for a major modernization of federal policy, warning that outdated regulations are holding back America’s leadership in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. Burgum says the U.S. is entering a historic technological era—but Washington’s slow-moving bureaucracy is stuck in the past.
In an interview with Newsmax’s Conversations With Nancy Brinker, Burgum said the nation is witnessing a once-in-a-generation transformation where energy, computing power, and advanced software are coming together to drive explosive economic growth.
“For the first time in history, a kilowatt of electricity can be turned directly into knowledge,” Burgum said. “Our data centers are becoming intelligence factories. If America wants to stay number one, we have to unleash innovation instead of burying it under outdated rules.”
Private Innovation Is Surging—But Washington Is Standing Still
Burgum warned that the private sector is advancing at record speed while federal agencies continue to rely on slow, reactive regulations. He noted that by the time new federal rules are debated, drafted, and approved, the technology they were meant to govern has already moved on.
This delay, he explained, is preventing the United States from fully developing next-generation AI infrastructure—everything from major data centers to advanced manufacturing systems that depend on reliable access to land, minerals, and energy.
“Government piles on rules,” Burgum said. “But those rules always look backward. They’re written for problems from the past while our rivals are already planning for the future.”
Energy and Federal Land Access Are Now National Security Priorities
Burgum also stressed that America’s ability to lead in AI depends on one thing above all else: access to abundant, affordable energy. With states fighting over transmission lines, energy production, and infrastructure siting, Burgum said the country risks falling behind global rivals—including China.
As the department responsible for federal land, mineral resources, and energy development, the Interior Department plays a central role in powering the next wave of American innovation. Burgum argued that streamlining permitting and expanding domestic production will help secure the nation’s technological superiority.
A Pro-Growth, Pro-Energy Vision Aligned With Trump-Era Priorities
Burgum’s message fits squarely with the America-First policies widely supported by conservatives: cut red tape, unleash domestic energy, and keep U.S. technology ahead of China.
He made clear that empowering innovation is essential not just for economic growth but also for national security and America’s long-term competitiveness.
“Unleashing innovation will allow Americans to prosper, strengthen our economy, and keep the world safe,” Burgum concluded.
