EPA Chief Scott Pruitt Resigns

July 5, 2018 Employment, Government, National News, Politics

After months of controversy regarding his spending, ethical lapses and management decisions, Scott Pruitt, former Oklahoma attorney general, resigned today from his position as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Pruitt has been accused of multiple violations, regarding his behavior and spending practices; several stories emerging in the last week or two. The government had launched numerous investigations on Pruitt, although he continued to insist that he had done nothing wrong. However, after many requests, the EPA inspector general agreed to look into Pruitt’s housing arrangements and allegations. Some of the scandals include:

  • Pruitt enlisted EPA staff to find his wife a job paying upwards of $200,000 a year.
  • He insisted on traveling first class or via private jet at the taxpayer’s expense.
  • Pruitt asked 25-year-old junior EPA staffers to put his hotel reservations on their personal credit cards — rather than his — and refused to pay them back.

Priutt’s deputy, Andrew Wheeler, will take over in the interim. He is a former energy industry lobbyist.

Pruitt is the fifth member of President Trump’s cabinet to resign or be fired. The others were former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, former Health and Human Services secretary Tom Price, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and former Veterans Affairs secretary David Shulkin.

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Danielle Germain
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Danielle Germain (she/her/hers) is originally from Long Island, New York. She is a rising junior at The American University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and minoring in Political Science. She partakes in various activities on campus. Danielle is a Teacher's Assistant, the Vice President of Programming for Caribbean Circle, The Social Media Director and Web Manager for The Blackprint, Programming Coordinator for Founder's Week Committee, Senior Communications Strategist for AUSG Center for Advocacy and Student Equity or CASE, Secretary of the Junior Class Council and a Club Consultant for American University Club Council. After learning more about herself freshman year, Danielle became deeply interested in pushing diversity and inclusion forward. Since then, Danielle has started The Purpose, a bible study for students of color at AU. By creating a safe space on campus, she hopes that the voices of those who feel underrepresented are heard and also valued. In her free time, Danielle enjoys going to brunch and watching Gossip Girl. This past summer, Danielle served as the Corporate Communications Intern for Macy's Inc. Danielle has a passion for politics and a love for writing, and one day hopes to become a political commentator for CNN. She can be reached at dg0060a@student.american.edu.

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