Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who is facing federal investigations into his travel, political activity and potential conflicts of interest, will leave the administration at years end, President Donald Trump said Saturday.
Trump, in tweeting Zinkes departure, said the former Montana congressman “accomplished much during his tenure” and that a replacement would be announced next week. The Cabinet post requires Senate confirmation.
Zinke is leaving weeks before Democrats take control of the House, a shift in power that promises to sharpen the probes into his conduct. His departure comes amid a staff shake-up as Trump heads into his third year in office facing increased legal exposure due to intensifying investigations into his campaign, business, foundation and administration.
Zinke, 57, played a leading part in Trumps efforts to roll back environmental regulations and promote domestic energy development. When he recently traveled to survey damage from Californias wildfires, Zinke echoed Trumps claims that lax forest management was to blame in the devastation. Fire scientists, however, say forest management was not a leading contributor.
Secretary of the Interior @RyanZinke will be leaving the Administration at the end of the year after having served for a period of almost two years. Ryan has accomplished much during his tenure and I want to thank him for his service to our Nation…….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 15, 2018
Zinke pushed to develop oil, natural gas and coal beneath public lands in line with the administrations business-friendly aims. But he has been dogged by ethics probes, including one centered on a Montana land deal involving a foundation he created and the chairman of an energy services company that does business with the Interior Department.
Investigators also are reviewing Zinkes decision to block two tribes from opening a casino in Connecticut and his redrawing of boundaries to shrink a Utah national monument. Zinke has denied wrongdoing.
The Associated Press reported last month that the departments internal watchdog had referred an investigation of Zinke to the Justice Department.
Trump told reporters this fall he was evaluating Zinkes future in the administration in light of the allegations and offered a lukewarm vote of confidence. Zinke in November denied he already was hunting for his next job.
“I enjoy working for the president,” he told a Montana radio station. “Now, If you do your job, he supports you.”
“I think Im probably going to be the commander of space command,” Zinke said. “Hows that one?”
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Last Update: Saturday, 15 December 2018 KSA 21:46 – GMT 18:46
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