Douglas McKay - Secretary of The Interior

Secretary of The Interior

He and General Dwight D. Eisenhower had significant ideological differences, the General being identified with the Republican moderates, and McKay with the conservative wing. Fearing that conservative Senator Robert A. Taft had little or no chance of winning the presidency in 1952, and admiring Eisenhower for his military record and leadership qualities, McKay supported the General's candidacy early in the campaign. Upon his election, Eisenhower appointed McKay as Secretary of the Interior. McKay resigned as Oregon governor on December 27, 1952.

As Interior Secretary, McKay proved himself a political asset and an effective administrator, largely because of his concern for natural resources in the western states balanced by fiscal and business acumen. As an administrator, he worked hard to balance the interests of conservationists and developers. He fostered partnerships involving the states, local public groups, private enterprise, and the Federal Government in building facilities and developing natural resources. During his tenure, McKay worked to prevent the Columbia Valley Authority and public development of the Hell's Canyon project. McKay created nine new wildlife reserves and he opposed the transfer of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge property to the Army. However, he also advocated building a dam at Echo Park which would have flooded Dinosaur National Monument. In Oregon, he allowed an Alabama mining company to harvest timber. For that, his critics dubbed him "Giveaway McKay." He also supported 1954 Indian termination policy.

In Washington, McKay abolished five divisions within the Interior Department, cutting 4,000 positions and reducing the budget by nearly $200 million. In 1954, McKay was featured on the cover of the August 23 edition of Time. On March 9, 1956, McKay resigned from the post, effective April 15, 1956.

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