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Scott Pruitt has become the subject of multiple investigations in recent months, including by the Inspector General of his own agency, two other independent federal agencies and by Congress itself [19659002] Published 3:55 PM, July 06, 2018
Last Updated 15:56, 06 July 2018
RESIGNATION. In this file photo, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Scott Pruitt, speaks at an information session at the White House on July 2. June 2017 in Washington, DC. Photo: Brendan Smialowski / AFP
WASHINGTON DC, USA – US President Donald Trump announced the departure of his chief of the environment, Scott Pruitt, who was facing growing ethical scandals over his spending and his conduct. "I have accepted the resignation of Scott Pruitt as a director of the Environmental Protection Agency," tweeted the president, ending months of speculation about the future of the company. 39; man he had instructed to dismantle the green legacy of former President Barack Obama. 19659006] "Within the agency, Scott has done a remarkable job, and I will always be grateful to him for that," added Trump
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that there was "no final straw" that led to Pruitt. departure, and that the move – which he said was in the works for "a few days" – was "a lot to him."
"He came to me and he said," I have such great confidence in the administration, I do not want to be a distraction. "And I think that Scott felt that it was a distraction, "Trump said.
Trump tweeted that Pruitt's deputy, former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler, would take Monday, July 2 at the head of the agency. He is a very environmentally friendly man, he is a great believer and he is going to do a fantastic job, "said the president to Wheeler's reporters
Pruitt, a former Attorney General of the Oklahoma has close links to the fossil fuel industries. He has been the subject of multiple investigations in recent months, including by the Inspector General of his own agency, two other independent federal agencies and the Congress itself.
The list of charges against the EPA leader was almost too long
All charges have one common denominator: he seems to have used the position he has held since February 2017 to enrich his and his own family in violation of federal law, while punishing the subordinates who raised objections. o his behavior, or who has not shown sufficient loyalty to him.
It all started with a penchant for first-class and private air travel during official business, a bill by taxpayers, in violation of the usual government practice.
Then came the report of the large number of bodyguards that he kept around him 24 hours a day, doubling the cost of security of his predecessors.
He also ordered the installation of a secure telephone booth in his Washington office. cost of $ 43,000, which critics found excessive.
zealous lieutenant
And there was the question of his personal expenses. He rented an apartment linked to oil industry lobbyists in an expensive neighborhood of the capital for only $ 50 a night, a sum that he only paid for the nights he slept there.
He also charged members of his staff with personal missions. find him another apartment, get his tickets for sports events and try to help his wife find a job.
Some of the tasks were downright bizarre, including an order to find and obtain a Trump brand mattress from a Trump hotel.
Despite the long list of ethical complaints, Pruitt was invited to the White House on Wednesday, July 3 for Trump's Independence Day celebration, where he and D & # s Other cabinet members received a warm welcome.
Pruitt made no mention of the various ethical complaints in his resignation letter, praising Trump rather for "personally" blessing me and allowed me to move forward. your agenda beyond what anyone has anticipated. " 19659006] But instead of taking responsibility, he pointed to the pressure of criticism, including Congressional Democrats. "The incessant attacks against me personally, my family, are unprecedented and have taken a heavy toll on all of us." wrote to Trump, in his letter posted by Fox News.
Trump's inner circle has had a revolving door since his first weeks in office, when he fired national security adviser Michael Flynn
Cabinet members who resigned or were ousted. Secretary of Health Tom Price, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Advisor HR McMaster and Chief of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin
Up to now, Trump was defending Pruitt – a lieutenant zealous who strongly defended his decision to leave the climatic agreements of Paris. praising his work for pushing back the Obama-era environmental regulations that the president says hinder economic growth.
But the tone has changed in recent weeks.
Last month, while praising Ruitt's "Fantastic Work" at the EPA, the President admitted, "I'm not happy with some things, I'll be honest."
Congressional Democrats have called for Pruitt's ouster for months. The departure was fast
"Good riddance," tweeted the House Democrat Earl Blumenauer.
"Given Pruitt's complete failure to protect our own air and water, and with 13 open federal investigations into his work, the only question is why"
Pruitt's release comes a few days after that a woman confronted her in a Washington restaurant and called to resign. – Rappler.com
Tags beset environment resigns scandal Trump39s
