Trump Official Who Wants Data Centers on Public Lands Has Tens of Millions Invested in AI Industry

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, a prominent figure in the Trump administration, has been instrumental in the administration's vision for data centers as a critical component of the nation's AI infrastructure. He frequently refers to the development of AI infrastructure as an "AI arms race" with China, likening it to the existential stakes of the Manhattan Project during World War II.

Burgum's motivations for advancing this agenda may be personal, as much of his wealth is invested in Arthur Ventures, a technology-focused investment firm he co-founded. According to an analysis of his financial disclosure form, between $18.1 million and $64.4 million of his investments are in AI companies. Prior to joining the administration, Burgum served as governor of North Dakota and made significant capital gains from AI-related investments during his term.

He has a long-standing interest in technology, having made his fortune a quarter-century ago when he sold his software company to Microsoft. Despite signing an ethics agreement to step down from his positions at Arthur Ventures, Burgum is not required to divest his financial interests in the company. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, as he continues to support AI development and the expansion of data centers on public lands.

The Trump administration's decision to allocate federal lands for AI initiatives aligns with the interests of several of Trump's political appointees, who hold significant investments in major tech companies like Nvidia, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms. These companies have all been heavily involved in the AI and data center boom, with Alphabet alone planning to spend $195 billion on these projects this year.

While the ethics rules in place do not carry criminal penalties, they do instruct officials to avoid situations that could create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Critics argue that Burgum's continued involvement in AI and data centers despite his substantial investments violates these ethical guidelines.