Trump concerned Zinke broke rules DOJ referral: report

President TrumpDonald John TrumpMore Trump Gop: poll poll Top Dem on Senate Trump over Obama Pollution Poll The Office of the Inspector General's Office Ryan ZinkeRyan Keith ZinkeOvernight Energy: Chief Energy Regulator vows to steer clear of political fights | Zinke was referred to DOJ shortly before controversial watchdog | Groups threaten to sue EPA over paint stripper Hill Hill 12:30 Report – Trump citizenship surprise rattles midterms | Pelosi predicts Dems will take House Interior watchdog referred to Zinke probe to Justice days before move agency IG MOREHelps you know that he is worried Zinke may have broken the rules.

The Washington Post reports Trump has told White House officials that he is concerned about the Justice Department referral, which is reportedly related to a Zinke's property development in Whitefish, Montana.

The president reportedly has no plans to remove Zinke, who reportedly plans to remain in his post, according to the newspaper. Still, the news of Trump's concern comes months after EPA Administrator Scott PruittEdward (Scott) Scott PruittOvernight Energy: Chief Energy Regulator vows to steer clear of political fights | Zinke was referred to DOJ shortly before controversial watchdog | Groups threaten to sue EPA over paint stripper threatening groups EPA for not banning paint chemical stripper Khashoggi affair exposes myth of US energy dominance MORE left the administration after being dogged by his own allegations of misconduct.

The Justice Department is reportedly in the process of being investigated in the past, and the post office reports that Zinke et al.

White House and Department of Energy representatives.

Zinke told CNN this week that the investigation is "politically motivated" and nothing will come from the probe.

"They have not talked to me," he told the news of the Justice Department investigators.

"It will be the same thing as all the other investigations. I follow all rules, procedures, regulations and most importantly the law. This is another politically driven investigation that has no merit, "he added.

The agency's general inspector also found that Zinke used to taxpayer-funded for his wife, which broke internal policies against the practice.