In a move that has sparked controversy, the US Senate confirmed Chris Wright, a fracking executive, as Donald Trump’s energy secretary. Wright, who has no political experience, is a vocal critic of efforts to combat climate change, calling activists 'alarmist' and comparing Democratic policies to Soviet-style communism. He has also downplayed the link between climate change and severe wildfires. As energy secretary, Wright will oversee a department with a $50 billion budget, handling nuclear weapons, energy diplomacy, and grant programs to advance energy technologies. His appointment marks a significant shift from the policies of his predecessor, Jennifer Granholm, who supported electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.