Former Trump administration officials are likely to return if he wins the upcoming presidential election against Joe Biden, with many expressing interest in rejoining the Interior Department.
In short:
- Many Trump-era Interior Department officials, including former Secretaries and appointees, are reportedly ready to serve again.
- Speculated returnees include David Bernhardt and Katharine MacGregor, with some currently holding influential roles in Republican-led states.
- Regular social gatherings among former Trump Interior staff suggest ongoing discussions about potential roles in a second administration.
Key quote:
"I think there are going to be a lot of familiar faces that will want to go back."
— Cole Rojewski, former congressional liaison, U.S. Interior Department.
Why this matters:
The reappointment of former Trump administration officials could significantly influence U.S. environmental and energy policies, particularly in areas like resource extraction and regulatory changes. Their experience and previous initiatives suggest a continuation of the policies seen during Trump's first term.
Will 2024 bring a repeat of these kinds of headlines? Rethinking energy and justice in the Trump era.
