Doug Burgum
Coverage of Doug Burgum in the Nexus archive.
- Reflecting Pool's botched repairs threaten to tarnish the National Park Service's reputation
Donald Trump's actions and demands, including botched repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and executive orders targeting exhibits, have placed the National Park Service in a political predicament. Critics criticize these moves as a systematic degradation and assault on the federal agency's mission and values. Furthermore, the NPS has lost at least one-quarter of its permanent workforce since Trump began his second term.
- D.C. Reflecting Pool saga continues as Trump slams Pirro for saying contractors caused damage
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is drained and awaiting repairs as a dispute within the Trump administration emerges. President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reject U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's assertion that contractors caused the pool's damage.
- Burgum weighs in on alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism case after DOJ dismissal
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum attributed damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to vandals, contradicting the Justice Department's dismissal of a felony charge against David Hearn, which cited faulty construction as the cause. The DOJ dismissed the destruction-of-property charge after finding new evidence.
- Feds threaten deep water cuts for states along shrinking Colorado River
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released a final report proposing severe water cuts for California, Nevada, and Arizona due to historically low levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The framework, part of a three-year environmental review, sets operational guidelines through 2036 to address declining water levels caused by climate change and overuse.
- Democrats urge Trump administration to rethink Endangered Species Act rollback
Florida Democrats are urging Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to withdraw a Trump administration rule that removes habitat modification from the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act. The change, set to take effect on Sept. 14, is criticized for weakening protections for species like the Florida manatee and panther, which the ESA has historically helped conserve.
- With plans to renovate a D.C. golf course, Trump tees off another fight with residents
President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited the site of their planned 'world-class' golf course in Washington, D.C. on June 28. The project has sparked opposition from local residents.
- Judge allows transfer of federal land along Dalton Highway to Alaska
A federal judge denied a lawsuit by environmental nonprofits seeking to block the transfer of over 2 million acres of public land along the Dalton Highway corridor to Alaska. The judge dismissed claims due to Alaska's sovereign immunity and found the nonprofits' concerns about future land use speculative. The transfer, part of a 2025 executive order revoking 54-year-old protections, aims to allow Alaska to manage energy, minerals, and infrastructure.
- US cancels automatic protections for imperiled animals as critics warn of extinctions
The U.S. Interior Department canceled automatic protections for threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, requiring individualized protection plans instead. Critics warn this change could delay conservation efforts and increase extinction risks for species like monarch butterflies and alligator snapping turtles. The rule change aligns with efforts by the Trump administration to reduce regulatory burdens on industries.
- US cancels automatic protections for imperiled animals as critics warn of extinctions
The U.S. Interior Department canceled a rule providing automatic protections for threatened species, requiring individualized plans instead. Critics argue this delays conservation efforts and enables industries to seek exemptions, risking extinctions of species like monarch butterflies and alligator snapping turtles.
- US cancels automatic protections for imperiled animals as critics warn of extinctions
The U.S. Interior Department canceled a rule providing automatic protections for threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, requiring individualized protection plans instead. Critics warn this change could hinder wildlife conservation efforts and increase extinction risks for species like monarch butterflies and alligator snapping turtles.
- Trump cites national security to stop offshore wind development. Here's what to know
President Donald Trump's administration halted offshore wind development, citing national security risks based on a classified Defense Department report. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum linked wind turbines to radar and sonar interference, while Sweden and Denmark are also addressing similar security concerns with their offshore wind projects.
- Trump cites national security to stop offshore wind development. Here’s what to know
President Donald Trump’s administration has halted offshore wind projects, citing national security risks based on a classified Defense Department report. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum claims wind turbines interfere with radar and sonar, though technical solutions exist. Sweden and the UK are also addressing security concerns related to offshore wind.
- Will Trump’s Handoff of Grizzly Management to States Lead to More Dead Bears?
Trump's proposal to transfer grizzly bear management to states under a new rule, allowing states 'management flexibility' which environmental activists fear could hinder the species' recovery. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum proposed this in Montana near Yellowstone National Park.
- Drained Reflecting Pool reveals Trump’s ‘American flag blue’ liner is now closer to gray
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool's 'American flag blue' liner has faded to gray since being drained, revealing issues with the renovation project. President Trump's efforts to revamp the pool faced cost overruns, algae blooms, and peeling coatings, with vandalism charges against David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, amid criticism of the repair quality.
- Trump administration opens endangered species’ habitats to development
The Trump administration finalized a rule altering the Endangered Species Act's enforcement, removing protections against habitat destruction for imperiled wildlife. The change narrows the definition of 'harm' to exclude habitat encroachments, allowing activities like oil drilling and logging in critical wildlife habitats as long as animals are not directly killed or injured. Environmentalists warn this could accelerate species extinction, while industry groups and Republican allies argue it promotes economic growth.
- Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool drained again as Trump administration resumes repairs
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained again for repairs following issues with algae and peeling coating after its recent restoration. The Trump administration attributed the damage to vandalism, while court records indicate multiple individuals were charged for allegedly damaging the pool's surface.
- Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool drained again as Trump administration resumes repairs
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was drained as the Trump administration resumed repairs following issues with the recent restoration project. Problems included algae blooms and peeling coating, which officials attributed to vandalism, and legal cases were filed against individuals accused of damaging the pool.
- Trump administration rolls back a key protection for imperiled wildlife
The Trump administration finalized a rule altering the Endangered Species Act's enforcement, narrowing the definition of 'harm' to allow activities like oil drilling and logging in critical wildlife habitats without directly killing animals. Environmentalists criticized the change as risking extinction for some species, while industry representatives supported it as reducing regulatory burdens.
- Trump administration rolls back a key protection for imperiled wildlife
The Trump administration finalized a rule changing the Endangered Species Act's enforcement by narrowing the definition of 'harm,' allowing activities like oil drilling and logging in critical wildlife habitats as long as animals are not directly killed. Environmentalists warn this could accelerate species extinction, while industry and Republican allies argue it promotes economic growth by reducing regulatory burdens.
- Crews again drain Trump’s troubled reflecting pool
Workers are draining the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool due to algae blooms and peeling paint. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the draining was planned and noted possible debris from an Independence Day fireworks display.
- Crews again drain Trump’s troubled reflecting pool
Crews drained the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, which has issues with algae blooms and peeling paint. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the draining was planned and noted potential debris from an Independence Day fireworks display.
- Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump’s troubled revamp
Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again due to issues with Trump’s revamp, including algae blooms and peeling coatings. Trump attributes the problems to vandals, while critics suggest poor repair work. Multiple individuals have been charged for damaging the pool.
- Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump’s troubled revamp
Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again due to issues with Trump's renovation, including algae blooms and peeling coating. Trump blamed vandals, but critics attribute the problems to poor workmanship. Multiple individuals have been charged for damaging the pool, including former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn.
- Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump’s troubled revamp
Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again due to issues with its recent renovation, including algae blooms and peeling coating. President Trump attributed the damage to vandals, but critics suggest poor repair work, while legal cases involving individuals accused of damaging the pool are ongoing.
- Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump's troubled revamp
Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again due to issues with the new coating and algae, as President Trump's renovation project faces delays. Trump attributes the problems to vandals, while critics blame poor workmanship. Legal cases involving individuals charged for damaging the pool are ongoing.
- Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump's troubled revamp
Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again due to issues with its recent renovation, including algae blooms and peeling coating. President Donald Trump has blamed vandals for the damage, while critics attribute it to poor repair work. Multiple individuals have been charged with damaging the pool, and the project remains delayed beyond its July 4 completion target.
- Va. and Md. senators press Trump administration for ‘basic’ DC golf course plans
Senators from Maryland and Virginia have sent a letter to the Interior Department and National Park Service seeking detailed information about the Trump administration's plans to redevelop East Potomac Park's golf course. The letter criticizes the lack of public disclosure and transparency regarding design changes, funding, and potential impacts on park features like the Hains Point bicycle trail and historic cherry trees.
- Former Olympian pleads not guilty to vandalizing Reflecting Pool
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, pleaded not guilty to felony charges for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. His defense argues the prosecution is an overreach, while the government claims he ripped out two square feet of the pool's liner. Three others were charged with misdemeanors for similar acts.
- Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleads not guilty to Reflecting Pool damage
Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty to damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., facing a felony charge of property destruction over $1,000. His attorney criticized the government's evidence as weak, and the court delayed the trial until February 2027. The Reflecting Pool has faced ongoing issues including algae growth and vandalism allegations.
- Dana Bash presses Doug Burgum as he deflects on Patriot Front march
Dana Bash questioned Doug Burgum regarding his response to a Patriot Front march, during which Burgum avoided directly addressing the issue. The article emphasizes the significance of leaders' responses to extremist events in shaping historical perception.
- The Latest: Trump will meet with Zelenskyy and Syria’s al-Sharaa during this week’s NATO summit
President Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the NATO summit in Turkey to focus on defense spending and regional issues. The Trump administration also faces scrutiny over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project and a doctored photo of the Obamas, while Trump's intervention for a U.S. athlete and NATO spending pledges have sparked international reactions.
- Burgum clashes with CNN host, blasts media for questioning vandalism of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum clashed with CNN's Dana Bash over damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, asserting that officials can prove vandals cut the liner. Burgum defended the material's durability and dismissed media skepticism, while Bash questioned the evidence for vandalism. The article also mentions a former Olympian indicted in the alleged vandalism and notes the pool's repair status ahead of the Fourth of July.
- White supremacists’ July 4 march counts as free speech, US interior secretary says
US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that a white supremacist group's July 4 rally in Washington did not violate laws due to free speech protections. The Patriot Front members marched through the capital, and Burgum acknowledged their ideology but emphasized the event's legality under free speech.
- Trump uses Mount Rushmore speech to allege ‘mortal threat’ from communism
President Donald Trump delivered a speech at Mount RushMore National Memorial, alleging a 'mortal threat' from communism and comparing it to historical events like 9/11. He criticized electoral successes by Democratic socialist candidates without directly linking them to communism and emphasized Republican chances in the 2026 midterms, advocating for the SAVE America Act and ending the filibuster.
- Trump's administration won't seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
The Trump administration will not seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stating the same contractor will handle repairs due to alleged vandalism. The project has faced delays and controversies, including a 350-foot gash in the pool's liner, legal actions against individuals like former Olympian David Hearn for damaging the site, and disputes over the handling of repairs and costs.
- The Trump administration will use the same company that tried to renovate the Reflecting Pool to repair it — ‘because they did a fantastic job’
The Trump administration will use the same company to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, citing its 'fantastic job' despite prior issues. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum attributed damage to vandals, while repairs face challenges like algae blooms and peeling coatings. Multiple arrests, including former Olympian David Hearn, are linked to the vandalism.
- Trump admin will use same company to repair Reflecting Pool’s damaged liner, Burgum says: ‘Did a fantastic job’
The Trump administration will use the same company that originally installed the sealant on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to repair its damaged liner, as revealed by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who praised the company's work.
- Trump’s administration won’t seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
The Trump administration will not seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stating the same contractor will handle repairs after vandalism damaged the pool during renovations. Trump and Burgum claim vandals caused a 350-foot gash in the pool’s liner, though the exact nature of the damage remains disputed.
- Trump’s administration won’t seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
The Trump administration will not seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stating the same contractor will handle repairs. The pool's damage, attributed to vandals by Trump and Burgum, includes multiple cuts to the liner, while repairs face challenges like algae blooms and peeling coatings. Former Olympian David Hearn was arrested for damaging the pool, with his lawyers accusing authorities of misusing government power.
- Trump's administration won't seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
The Trump administration will not seek new bids for repairing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum affirming the same contractor will handle repairs. The project has faced controversy over alleged vandalism causing damage to the pool's liner, with authorities charging David Hearn, a former Olympian, for deliberately damaging the pool's sealant. The pool's repair issues include algae blooms and peeling coatings after recent renovations.