President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday evening that he has tapped Chris Wright to lead the U.S. Department of Energy.

“I am thrilled to announce that Chris Wright will be joining my Administration as both United States Secretary of Energy, and Member of the newly formed Council of National Energy,” Trump said in a statement.

Trump highlighted Wright’s career as a leading technologist and entrepreneur in the industry before being nominated to the position.

“He has worked in Nuclear, Solar, Geothermal, and Oil and Gas,” he said. “Most significantly, Chris was one of the pioneers who helped launch the American Shale Revolution that fueled American Energy Independence, and transformed the Global Energy Markets and Geopolitics.”

Wright said that he was “honored and grateful” for the opportunity to serve in the new administration.

“My dedication to bettering human lives remains steadfast, with a focus on making American energy more affordable, reliable, and secure. Energy is the lifeblood that makes everything in life possible,” he said. “Energy matters. I am looking forward to getting to work.”

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The statement said that Wright has known and worked with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum — whom Trump tapped to be the Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of the National Energy Council — for years.

“This team will drive U.S. Energy Dominance, which will drive down Inflation, win the A.I. arms race with China (and others), and expand American Diplomatic Power to end Wars all across the World,” Trump said.

I am honored and grateful for the opportunity from @realDonaldTrump to serve our country as U.S. Secretary of Energy. My dedication to bettering human lives remains steadfast, with a focus on making American energy more affordable, reliable, and secure. Energy is the lifeblood… pic.twitter.com/IfjMQw9xKi

— Chris Wright (@ChrisAWright_) November 16, 2024