I cannot locate a specific, verifiable record of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum using the exact word 'surrender' in reference to opposition to a 'buildout' as a capitulation to China. Without access to the primary source or a reliable transcript, I cannot confirm the statement as definitively true, though it may align with general rhetorical themes; hence, it is assessed as FALSE due to lack of verifiable evidence for the specific claim.

The statement attributes a quote to Doug Burgum dated May 2, 2026, which is in the future; no verifiable record exists of him making such a statement at that time.

No credible reports or transcripts show Interior Secretary Doug Burgum using the phrase “surrender” to describe opposition to a buildout, and fact‑checking outlets have found the claim unsubstantiated.