"Yes, the prominent "deleted emails" controversy in North Dakota state government occurred during Doug Burgum's governorship (2016–2024), specifically in 2022 under his watch, though it centered on the Attorney General's office rather than a broad loss of "all government data."
valleynewslive.com
Key Facts on the Deleted EmailsWhat happened: After former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem died in January 2022, his state email account was deleted at the direction of staff (executive assistant Liz Brocker, following a request from deputy Troy Seibel). Seibel's account was also deleted after he resigned in March 2022. This came amid scrutiny over a $1.5–1.8 million cost overrun on renovations/lease for the AG's office building.
valleynewslive.com
Timing and responsibility: Burgum appointed Drew Wrigley as AG in February 2022. Wrigley later stated he had no prior knowledge of the deletions. An internal investigation identified a "rogue employee" involved, but found no criminal wrongdoing. Outside consultants confirmed the emails were irretrievable.
valleynewslive.com
Response and fallout: This raised open records concerns. State Auditor Josh Gallion's review highlighted potential misuse of funds and conflicts of interest in the building project (e.g., partial ownership ties). Lawmakers expressed frustration over missing records hindering full accountability. A Montana DCI investigation was limited (no subpoenas), and finding a prosecutor proved difficult. No major charges resulted, but it lingered as a transparency issue into 2023–2024.
northdakotamonitor.com
North Dakota law (e.g., Century Code on records management) requires retaining emails and other records for officials, with policies for holding accounts upon departure/death. Deletions violated the spirit of open records, even if not deemed illegal.
ndlegis.gov
Broader Government Data Under BurgumNot "all" data: There wasn't a wholesale loss or purge of North Dakota state government data. The state has formal records retention schedules managed by the Information Technology Department (NDIT), covering emails, financials, etc. Burgum's administration emphasized data-driven governance, cybersecurity centralization (e.g., 2019 bill making NDIT handle statewide cyber), and even AI/data center pushes.
statescoop.com
Other issues: There were ransomware/phishing incidents affecting local governments and Microsoft 365 users, plus general cyber concerns common to many states. Burgum signed data breach notification laws. No evidence of systemic "damning" data destruction beyond the AG email case.
theminutemanblog.com
Context: Burgum focused on tax cuts, red tape reduction, energy, and tech/economic growth. Critics pointed to pro-fossil fuel stances and lawsuits against federal Interior rules (ironically, as he later became U.S. Interior Secretary).
propublica.org
The email deletions were a real transparency failure tied to Burgum's administration via the AG he appointed, but they don't equate to losing "all government data." It was a specific scandal involving one office's records around a building project. For full details, check North Dakota Monitor, AP reports, or legislative audit records."
All our government data in North Dakota including damning emails that were "deleted" were all under Burgums watch and they got sent to China and Iran.
Groc's response to this claim:
"Yes, the prominent "deleted emails" controversy in North Dakota state government occurred during Doug Burgum's governorship (2016–2024), specifically in 2022 under his watch, though it centered on the Attorney General's office rather than a broad loss of "all government data."
valleynewslive.com
Key Facts on the Deleted EmailsWhat happened: After former Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem died in January 2022, his state email account was deleted at the direction of staff (executive assistant Liz Brocker, following a request from deputy Troy Seibel). Seibel's account was also deleted after he resigned in March 2022. This came amid scrutiny over a $1.5–1.8 million cost overrun on renovations/lease for the AG's office building.
valleynewslive.com
Timing and responsibility: Burgum appointed Drew Wrigley as AG in February 2022. Wrigley later stated he had no prior knowledge of the deletions. An internal investigation identified a "rogue employee" involved, but found no criminal wrongdoing. Outside consultants confirmed the emails were irretrievable.
valleynewslive.com
Response and fallout: This raised open records concerns. State Auditor Josh Gallion's review highlighted potential misuse of funds and conflicts of interest in the building project (e.g., partial ownership ties). Lawmakers expressed frustration over missing records hindering full accountability. A Montana DCI investigation was limited (no subpoenas), and finding a prosecutor proved difficult. No major charges resulted, but it lingered as a transparency issue into 2023–2024.
northdakotamonitor.com
North Dakota law (e.g., Century Code on records management) requires retaining emails and other records for officials, with policies for holding accounts upon departure/death. Deletions violated the spirit of open records, even if not deemed illegal.
ndlegis.gov
Broader Government Data Under BurgumNot "all" data: There wasn't a wholesale loss or purge of North Dakota state government data. The state has formal records retention schedules managed by the Information Technology Department (NDIT), covering emails, financials, etc. Burgum's administration emphasized data-driven governance, cybersecurity centralization (e.g., 2019 bill making NDIT handle statewide cyber), and even AI/data center pushes.
statescoop.com
Other issues: There were ransomware/phishing incidents affecting local governments and Microsoft 365 users, plus general cyber concerns common to many states. Burgum signed data breach notification laws. No evidence of systemic "damning" data destruction beyond the AG email case.
theminutemanblog.com
Context: Burgum focused on tax cuts, red tape reduction, energy, and tech/economic growth. Critics pointed to pro-fossil fuel stances and lawsuits against federal Interior rules (ironically, as he later became U.S. Interior Secretary).
propublica.org
The email deletions were a real transparency failure tied to Burgum's administration via the AG he appointed, but they don't equate to losing "all government data." It was a specific scandal involving one office's records around a building project. For full details, check North Dakota Monitor, AP reports, or legislative audit records."
Now ask Grok to show you the photo of Burgum praying with Sam Saylor and see how that is all connected. HE needed the emails GONE.
...also it should be noted China and Iran do have copies of the infamous deleted emails. It's fucked