Former North Dakota First Lady Appointed to Co-Lead National Addiction Recovery Initiative

Kathryn Burgum will serve as a Senior Advisor to the White House and co-chair the Great American Recovery Initiative with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Former North Dakota First Lady Kathryn Burgum has been appointed to co-chair a new White House initiative called the Great American Recovery Initiative, which aims to combat the national addiction and substance abuse crisis. Burgum will serve as a Senior Advisor to the White House and co-chair the initiative with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Why it matters

Addiction and substance abuse are major public health issues in the United States, impacting an estimated 190 million Americans. Burgum's personal experience with addiction and recovery gives her a unique perspective to help lead this national initiative aimed at reducing the stigma around addiction and connecting more people to treatment and support services.

The details

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish the Great American Recovery Initiative, with Burgum and Kennedy as its co-chairs. Burgum will leverage her role as a former First Lady and her own journey with addiction recovery to guide the initiative's efforts to combat the addiction crisis across the country.

  • On February 1, 2026, President Trump signed the executive order establishing the Great American Recovery Initiative.

The players

Kathryn Burgum

The former First Lady of North Dakota, who will serve as a Senior Advisor to the White House and co-chair the Great American Recovery Initiative.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who will co-chair the Great American Recovery Initiative with Kathryn Burgum.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who signed the executive order establishing the Great American Recovery Initiative.

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What they’re saying

“I'm signing a historic executive order to combat the scourge of addiction and substance abuse.”

— President Donald Trump (am1100theflag.com)

“Addictions touch this administration in real and profound ways.”

— Kathryn Burgum, Former North Dakota First Lady (am1100theflag.com)

“They reflect the reality of the over 190 million Americans, that's half our nation who are impacted in some way by the disease of addiction, and I am one of them.”

— Kathryn Burgum, Former North Dakota First Lady (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The Great American Recovery Initiative will begin its work immediately, with Burgum and Kennedy leading the effort to develop and implement new policies and programs to address the national addiction crisis.

The takeaway

Kathryn Burgum's personal experience with addiction recovery gives her a unique perspective to help lead this national initiative, which aims to reduce the stigma around addiction and connect more Americans to the treatment and support services they need.