Trump nominates Dan Brouillette as new energy secretary

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Friday, Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette as the new chief of the energy department.

On Thursday, he said Secretary of Energy Rick Perry will step down by the end of the year.

"I am pleased to nominate Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette to be the new Secretary of Energy," Trump tweeted. "Dan’s experience in the sector is unparalleled. A total professional, I have no doubt that Dan will do a great job!"

Trump thanked Perry "for the outstanding job he has done" and said he stepped down to "pursue other interests."

On Oct. 10, the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives subpoenaed Perry for documents related to the Trump administration's contacts with Ukraine as part of its impeachment inquiry.

Brouillette will have to be confirmed by the Senate to get the top spot.