Ryan Zinke
Secretary of interior
Background
Zinke is a Republican congressman from Montana who was elected to his second term representing the Treasure State in November.
A former Navy Seal who retired in 2008, Zinke has long emphasized his service in the armed forces. However, a former superior of Zinke’s raised questions in an interview with the New York Times about whether the Montana congressman exaggerated the scope of his responsibilities while deployed in Iraq.
Zinke has a track record as an ardent supporter of conservation within the GOP and has fought efforts by fellow Republicans to sell off public lands. However, Zinke is skeptical on the issue of climate change, saying in a 2014 debate: “It’s not a hoax, but it’s not proven science either.”
Senate Democrats have a particular political motivation to support Zinke’s nomination. Zinke had long been mooted as a potential challenger to incumbent Democratic senator Jon Tester in 2018. In being appointed to the cabinet, it removes the Republican seen to be Tester’s most formidable rival for re-election in Montana.
Key points to watch for
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Climate change: In light of the president-elect’s longstanding skepticism about mankind contributing to climate change, senators are likely to try to pin down Zinke on this issue.
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Drilling on public lands: The interior department oversees public lands in the US and, in particular, the permit process for those private companies seeking to drill for oil or natural gas there. Trump has long supported increased energy exploration on public land, including national parks.
