Trump Picks David Bernhardt To Lead The Interior Department

President Donald Trump announced via Twitter Monday that he plans to nominate acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt for the permanent position. Bernhardt stepped in when former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke submitted his resignation amid multiple internal ethics probes into his spending and alleged business dealings.The former energy lobbyist is reportedly expected to continue pursuing fossil fuels work that Zinke started during his time at the Department of the Interior.Environmental groups have expressed their disapproval for the president's pick to lead the agency, with some saying his lobbying work may pose a conflict of interest on certain issues. Bernhardt tweetedhis gratitude for the nomination, calling it "a humbling privilege." His nomination will first go to the Senate energy committee before a full Senate floor vote. The Republican majority in the Senate makes it likely that he'll be confirmed. Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.