WASHINGTON — Scott Pruitt, the scandal-ridden former Environmental Protection Agency chief, denied on Wednesday that he had obtained any extraordinary gifts or income as a result of his Cabinet-level post, and dismissed allegations he received perks ranging from sport tickets to a job for his wife. The EPA on Wednesday released Pruitt’s financial disclosure report for 2017. The report required Pruitt to disclose sources of income and gifts received because of his government work. The report makes no mention of a $50-a-night Washington condo he stayed in or other perks was said to have received in office. Among them: hard-sought tickets to the Rose Bowl and at least one short-term gig for his wife as an event planner, for an event where Pruitt was a featured guest. Pruitt did not address details about the allegations, many of which are detailed in testimony from former aides and in emails released through the Freedom of Information Act. Rather, he addressed them more broadly … [Read more...] about Ousted EPA head Scott Pruitt denies getting improper gifts, income
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EPA Watchdog Releases Review Of Scott Pruitt’s Security
An Environmental Protection Agency watchdog found former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt spent more than twice as much on his security detail than his predecessor.That's according to a report by the EPA Office of the Inspector General. It also found Pruitt had around-the-clock security and a total of 19 security agents while his predecessor, Gina McCarthy, had six her last year in office.According to Politico, the EPA claimed the additional detail was because Pruitt was threatened and at risk from protesters. But the report points out the EPA does not have a standard in place to determine the amount of security needed.The report concluded "The increased costs associated with this undocumented decision represents an inefficient use of agency resources."The EPA responded to the internal report saying “Some protectees are at risk simply based on the positions they hold." Pruitt resigned in July over what he called "attacks" by the media. He's … [Read more...] about EPA Watchdog Releases Review Of Scott Pruitt’s Security
Scott Pruitt’s $3 million, 24/7 security detail not justified, says EPA watchdog
Get breaking news alerts and special reports. The news and stories that matter, delivered weekday mornings. SUBSCRIBE WASHINGTON — Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's use of a round-the-clock security detail that cost taxpayers more than $3 million was not justified and was more than twice as expensive as his predecessor's, according to a new report by the Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General. Pruitt resigned from the EPA effective July 6 after facing a barrage of investigations and audits. The inspector general found the decision to assign a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week security detail to protect Pruitt was made by the Trump transition team before the administrator even started the job. The decision was supposed to be re-evaluated two weeks after Pruitt arrived but the IG says that never happened. It also cost 110 percent more than the security protection given to Pruitt's predecessor, Gina McCarthy, during a similar time period. This is in sharp contrast to … [Read more...] about Scott Pruitt’s $3 million, 24/7 security detail not justified, says EPA watchdog
Scott Pruitt made just one phone call to White House from his $43,000 phone booth: report
Former Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt used his custom $43,000 phone booth to call the White House once during his tenure, The Washington Post reported Monday.Pruitt and his aides had argued for months that the booth ― a secure, soundproof box built inside a renovated closet in his office ― was “necessary” for him to stay in contact with President Donald Trump. The booth became a lightning rod for controversy after the Post reported its exorbitant price and noted that the EPA already had a similar facility, just on a different floor from Pruitt’s office.“Cabinet-level officials need to have access to secure communications,” Pruitt argued during congressional testimony in December. “It’s necessary for me to be able to do my job.” 9 PHOTOS Questionable spending by past and present members of Trump's team See Gallery Questionable spending by past and present members of Trump's team Scott … [Read more...] about Scott Pruitt made just one phone call to White House from his $43,000 phone booth: report
Scott Pruitt Made Just 1 Phone Call To White House From His $43,000 Booth: Report
POLITICS 08/20/2018 06:06 pm ET Democratic lawmakers want the former EPA chief held accountable for excessive spending and other ethical lapses. By Nick Visser Former Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt used his custom $43,000 phone booth to call the White House once during his tenure, The Washington Post reported Monday. Pruitt and his aides had argued for months that the booth ― a secure, soundproof box built inside a renovated closet in his office ― was “necessary” for him to stay in contact with President Donald Trump. The booth became a lightning rod for controversy after the Post reported its exorbitant price and noted that the EPA already had a similar facility, just on a different floor from Pruitt’s office. “Cabinet-level officials need to have access to secure communications,” Pruitt argued during congressional testimony in December. “It’s necessary for me to be able to do my … [Read more...] about Scott Pruitt Made Just 1 Phone Call To White House From His $43,000 Booth: Report