President Donald Trump gave his thoughts on Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt as the media bears down on his first-class flights and rented rooms.
“I hope he’s going to be great,” Trump told reporters at a lunch meeting with the leaders of Baltic countries Tuesday.
Pruitt’s first-class travel, living arrangements and hiring practices have come under intense scrutiny from reporters, environmental activists and government watchdogs, many of whom want to see the former Oklahoma attorney general removed from office.
Democrats asked the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to investigate travel spending by Trump administration officials, including Pruitt’s penchant for first-class flights.
Many Democrats participated in the “Boot Pruitt” campaign started by environmental activists.
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has to go.
He has failed to protect your health, failed to safeguard the environment, and failed to follow the law. He is unfit to lead the EPA. #BootPruitt
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) March 28, 2018
Trump phoned Pruitt on Monday night to reassure the embattled EPA chief “we have your back,” according to news reports. Trump told Pruitt to “keep your head up, keep fighting.” White House Chief of Staff John Kelly called Pruitt on Tuesday to reiterate Trump’s message.
However. It’s unclear how much longer Trump could have Pruitt’s back if the negative headlines continue to dominate the news cycle.
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