Doug Burgum was asked about the use of American energy as a diplomatic tool by Donald Trump, including toward Iran and Venezuela, as well as toward European allies. Meanwhile, the Breitbart News journalist noted that Greece is preparing to begin natural gas exploration off several islands at the beginning of next year and added that, through the Vertical Corridor, natural gas is transported to Greece and from there to Eastern Europe and Ukraine in order to “cut off the Russians” and stop the flow of Russian gas and oil to Europe.

“I’m smiling because I’m very glad you truly understand the Vertical Corridor and what is happening there,” Burgum said. “Because this is another one of the major changes that is taking place.”

Burgum began by describing the European energy network, saying that “all gas infrastructure in Europe runs from Russia toward Western Europe.” He also stated that opposition to energy infrastructure and AI data centers should be carefully examined for potential foreign influence. “I would urge everyone in this room to carefully examine cases where you think there are spontaneous protests about issues like climate, gas pipelines, or data centers. If you think all of these are spontaneous and local, they are not. They never were,” Burgum said.

Referring to Germany, Burgum said the country “shut down all of its nuclear plants and all of its coal plants” and argued that, in Germany’s multi-party system, the Green Party could gain influence in government negotiations by setting these shutdowns as conditions for participation. “And that’s what they are doing,” he said, adding that Germany spent “half a trillion, meaning 500 billion dollars” on what he called its “green dream.” He further claimed that Germany produces “20% less electricity,” that it “costs 30% more than before,” and that the country is “deindustrializing.”

Burgum also claimed that Russia was behind “some activities of the Green Party” through recruitment carried out as part of “Russian psychological operations,” saying Russia was “convincing everyone” to adopt green energy policies while simultaneously suggesting purchasing gas from Russia.

He then linked the energy discussion to artificial intelligence, arguing that AI facilities require more electricity and should not simply be labeled as data centers. “You’re not going to build an artificial intelligence factory. I wouldn’t call them data centers,” the U.S. Interior Secretary said, adding that “you are actually producing intelligence.” He further argued that AI “requires added energy, not reduction” and that companies will not build such infrastructure in areas with high energy costs. He also noted that when Germany did not produce the expected amount of electricity, it turned to purchasing power from “French nuclear energy” and “Polish coal-fired power plants.”

Burgum then said the journalist understands the Vertical Corridor, before explaining how American natural gas could be transported through Europe and the role Ukraine’s underground storage capacity could play.

“What Matt referred to—and I think you are the first interviewer who really understands what the Vertical Corridor is—is that we have an opportunity with American natural gas to move north from Greece and Croatia and south from Poland,” Burgum said. “Ukraine has massive underground gas storage capacity. It can store enough for an entire winter. We could fill those facilities all summer when gas prices are low.”

Burgum said he and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have met with European energy ministers, noting that those most supportive of the United States are countries “locked into the need to buy Russian gas.” He also referred to a Greek LNG unloading facility, which has received 31 out of 35 LNG shipments from the United States. “One would say that (the Greeks) love buying American natural gas,” Burgum said, adding that “a single ship could cover the heating needs of 200,000 German households for a year.”

Burgum linked the idea of the Vertical Corridor to the broader diplomatic value of American energy exports. “Again, it all comes down to selling energy to our friends and allies so they don’t have to source it from our adversaries,” he said.