Trump Taps Acting Secretary to Lead Interior Department – By Claire Hansen (US News) / Feb 4 2019
Bernhardt has served as acting secretary since Ryan Zinke resigned last year.
President Donald Trump will nominate David Bernhardt, a former oil and energy lobbyist, to be the secretary of the Interior Department, Trump announced on Twitter Monday.
Bernhardt has served as the acting secretary of the Interior Department since former Ryan Zinke resigned at the end of last year after becoming embroiled in ethics scandals. Bernhardt previously served as the agency’s deputy secretary.
I am pleased to announce that David Bernhardt, Acting Secretary of the Interior, will be nominated as Secretary of the Interior. David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived, and we look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2019
Bernhardt is a former lobbyist whose clients included oil, gas and water companies that had business with the Department, a fact that is certain to be a concern for Democrats. He faces confirmation from the Senate.
