Alaska's Gov. Mike Dunleavy has been appointed to a federal research commission by President Donald Trump, amid questions about his academic and research qualifications. His staff, however, argue that his executive experience is sufficient. The U.S. Arctic Research Commission, which Dunlevy was appointed to, is an independent federal research agency created to recommend national Arctic research policy and priorities and to coordinate the federal government’s Arctic research activities. The commission also includes members from academic or research institutions, private industry undertaking commercial activities in the Arctic, Indigenous residents of the Arctic and the Director of the National Science Foundation. The appointment was made on April 14 and will last until Feb. 26, 2027. Dunleav's spokesperson credits his oversight over state agencies directly involved in Arctic research.