David Bernhardt

The Honorable David Bernhardt served as the 53^rd Secretary of the Interior. David, who grew up in Rifle Colorado. He is the only person to be confirmed by the U. S. Senate to serve as secretary, deputy secretary, and solicitor of the United States Department of the Interior in its 176 year history.

As Secretary, David focused his efforts to further conservation stewardship, expand opportunities for access to hunting and fishing on public lands, drove regulatory change, and worked to enhance our nation’s energy independence. Additionally, he led the Trump administration’s effort to enact the Great American Outdoors Act and President Trump tasked him with playing a key role on initiatives such as addressing the threat to the domestic supply chain from reliance on critical minerals from foreign adversaries.

As deputy secretary at Interior, David drove meaningful regulatory reform; modernized business processes related to permitting authorizations and denials; and developed one of the most diverse leadership teams in the department’s history.

Currently, David is engaged in several business ventures, serves as an independent board member, and is active in various nonprofit endeavors.

Finally, David is the author of  “YOU REPORT TO ME, Accountability For the Failing Administrative State,” published in 2023.