Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke fielded more criticism for his travel spending Tuesday after CNN reported he met with National Rifle Association (NRA) members.
Zinke attended an annual, NRA members and gun owners retreat at the Dallas Gun Club in September. He went to a shooting range with women gun owners during a two-day event and posted pictures on Twitter.
Had a blast today with the gals of the @NRA Thx to my host Susan w/ @nrawomen & @GoParks #2A #GalsWithGuns pic.twitter.com/9oGoerEDTg
— Secretary Ryan Zinke (@SecretaryZinke) September 22, 2017
Zinke also met with wealthy donors to President Donald Trump’s campaign while in the Lone Star State and recorded the event as a lunch meeting with supporters of sporting and conservation. CNN’s review of documents found several instances, including the Texas trip, that watchdog groups flagged as possible conflicts of interest. The Interior department’s lawyer and ethics board cleared all trips prior to Zinke departing, however, CNN reported.
Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee criticized the September trip on Twitter, highlighting Zinke’s meeting with NRA members.
When @SecretaryZinke was confirmed for the @Interior job, the @NRA called him “good news for gun owners” who “have a friend in Ryan Zinke.”
Zinke should be talking to the American people about protecting our #publiclands, not schmoozing with the NRA.https://t.co/0qRdavjWFL
— Nat Resources Dems (@NRDems) February 28, 2018
The Department of the Interior did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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