Trump Official Who Wants Data Centers on Public Lands Invests in AI

Saturday, November 07, 2026

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who is heavily invested in the AI industry, is leading the charge to allow tech companies to build data centers on the public lands he oversees.

Posted by reinheitsgebot at 08:33 AM | 19 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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NEW: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has tens of millions of dollars invested in the AI industry. Meanwhile, he is leading the Trump administration's charge to allow tech companies to build data centers on the public lands he oversees.

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-- ProPublica (@propublica.org) 8:02 AM Â· Nov 6, 2026

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Follow the money.

#1 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-11-07 05:40 AM | Reply

"But advancing the administration's AI objectives also could benefit Burgum's own finances."

Purely a coincidence, I'm sure! And would that also benefit the Trump Crime Family? More coincidences?

#2 | Posted by danni at 2026-11-07 08:47 AM | Reply

Only the "Finest People"

#3 | Posted by bat4255 at 2026-11-07 08:53 AM | Reply

Everyone that owns a US stock index mutual fund is invested in AI.

#4 | Posted by visitor_ at 2026-11-07 09:06 AM | Reply

"Everyone that owns a US stock index mutual fund is invested in AI."

That's really not a valid comparison though. Burgum's wealth is heavily concentrated and directly tied to private tech and venture-backed AI interests via Arthur Ventures (the investment firm he co-founded) and direct equities. Rather than a diversified, passive market tracker, his multi-million-dollar direct and co-founded venture holdings mean he stands to experience a massive, individualized financial gain from targeted federal policies that expand AI infrastructure onto public lands. A pretty clear conflict of interest.

#5 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-11-07 10:35 AM | Reply

"he stands to experience a massive, individualized financial gain from targeted federal policies that expand AI infrastructure onto public lands."

Should be a priority for Democrats but we'll see if they are really going to do the jobs they were all elected to do! Makes me think people like AOC need leadership rolls!

#6 | Posted by danni at 2026-11-07 10:59 AM | Reply

"Make America Grift Again!" - Visitor Approved

#7 | Posted by Corky at 2026-11-07 12:10 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

@#7 ... "Make America Grift Again!" ...

Exactly.

Trump admin grifting and corruption was at or near the top of most polling.

#8 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-11-07 01:07 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Everyone that owns a US stock index mutual fund is invested in AI.

So? I'm still WAY willing to take a hit in share values to keep data centers off public lands and heavily regulated.

#9 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2026-11-07 03:31 PM | Reply

"Everyone that owns a US stock index mutual fund is invested in AI."

Hahahaha

This is like Goatman saying if you turned on the lights you acknowledge global warming is a hoax.

#10 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-11-07 03:39 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

@#4 ... Everyone that owns a US stock index mutual fund is invested in AI. ...

Yes, but ~everyone that owns a US stock index mutual fund~ does not have the level of control over the sale of public lands that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has.

#11 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-11-07 06:47 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

What's the argument against data centers?

Why wouldn't you want it on public land that is basically useless.

Government could generate revenue from it forever.

#12 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-11-07 07:12 PM | Reply

@#12 ... Why wouldn't you want it on public land that is basically useless. ...

The topic of this thread seems to be a Trump admin official using his office to benefit his personal stock holdings.

Typical behavior within the Trump admin.

Do try to keep up ...

#13 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-11-07 07:15 PM | Reply

Trump admin grifting and corruption was at or near the top of most polling.
- gaslighter

Don't you understand eventually Repubs will be out of office and Dems will control public lands....

Tax the shit out of them. It is the definition of socialism and nationalism, the very thing you say you want ...but I guess only if your team gets the grift that you want it,

Do I have that right?

Morons.

#14 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-11-07 07:16 PM | Reply

The topic of this thread seems to be a Trump admin official using his office to benefit his personal stock holdings.
- gaslighter

So what. Seriously what do you think socialism is?

Congress has been making millions upon millions and none of you say shit.

#15 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-11-07 07:17 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Do I have that right?

Usually, no.

#16 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-11-07 07:20 PM | Reply

Here's a test but I already know the answer based upon your Israel position.

You could have socialism in the US, but 100,000 Republicans are going to be billionaires, would you do it?

Would you make that trade?

If you wouldn't then you really don't want socialism....

#17 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-11-07 07:21 PM | Reply

Usually, no.

#16 | Posted by REDIAL

As usual no reason why from the alias thats from the country that used to play ice hockey

#18 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-11-07 07:23 PM | Reply

@#16 ... Usually, no. ...

Exactly.

And it is so funny how some current trolling aliases seem to try to project Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's action, who is heavily invested in the AI industry, as anything else than the overt grift it may be.

OK, maybe less funny, and more lame.

I mean, it seems to be all they got of late. Lameness.

#19 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-11-07 08:07 PM | Reply