Interior Department reshuffles senior staff amid concerns of political patronage

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is directing a reallocation of about thirty senior staff members, placing them in duties that do not align with their professional backgrounds. Employees interviewed anonymously called the transfers punitive and suggested they signal a demand for political conformity. Lawmakers and career officials expressed worry that the reshuffle will erode the department’s institutional expertise, especially as it may benefit President Donald Trump’s allies.

Senator Martin Heinrich, ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, warned that moving seasoned scientists and land-management professionals could delay permits, weaken wildfire response, and undermine science-based stewardship. The current upheaval mirrors a 2017 episode under former Secretary Ryan Zinke, which was described as chaotic and lacking clear rationale. Affected units include the Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, and other headquarters offices, with staff given two weeks to accept the new posts or resign.