This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46580094
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
Ryan Zinke: US interior secretary to leave administration | Ryan Zinke: US interior secretary to leave administration |
(35 minutes later) | |
US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is leaving his post at the end of the year, President Donald Trump says, in the latest high profile departure from his administration. | US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is leaving his post at the end of the year, President Donald Trump says, in the latest high profile departure from his administration. |
In a tweet, President Trump thanked Mr Zinke for his service, saying he had "achieved much during his tenure". | In a tweet, President Trump thanked Mr Zinke for his service, saying he had "achieved much during his tenure". |
He said he would appoint a new interior secretary next week. | He said he would appoint a new interior secretary next week. |
Mr Zinke, an ex-Navy Seal and a former Montana congressman, has been embroiled in allegations of ethics violations. | Mr Zinke, an ex-Navy Seal and a former Montana congressman, has been embroiled in allegations of ethics violations. |
They include a land deal in Montana involving Mr Zinke and the chairman of oilfield services Halliburton, Politico reported. | They include a land deal in Montana involving Mr Zinke and the chairman of oilfield services Halliburton, Politico reported. |
The interior department oversees federal land, including national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone. | The interior department oversees federal land, including national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone. |
Mr Zinke has faced scrutiny over expensive trips in US Park Police helicopters and on private jets. | Mr Zinke has faced scrutiny over expensive trips in US Park Police helicopters and on private jets. |
Costly alterations at his department also came in for criticism, including reports that three sets of double doors in his office were being upgraded at a cost of nearly $139,000 (£110,000). He later said he had negotiated the price down to $75,000. | Costly alterations at his department also came in for criticism, including reports that three sets of double doors in his office were being upgraded at a cost of nearly $139,000 (£110,000). He later said he had negotiated the price down to $75,000. |
The New York Times has also published a guide to the investigations into Mr Zinke. | |
According to the newspaper, he is facing scrutiny for blocking a Native American casino expansion after meetings with lobbyists opposing the plan, and for possible breaches of the Hatch Act - which stops federal employees from influencing elections by using their office. | |
What's the reaction been? | What's the reaction been? |
Mr Zinke has promoted oil drilling and coal mining, and worked to roll back environmental protections brought in under President Obama. | Mr Zinke has promoted oil drilling and coal mining, and worked to roll back environmental protections brought in under President Obama. |
Chuck Schumer, the Senate's most senior Democrat, was blunt in his condemnation. | Chuck Schumer, the Senate's most senior Democrat, was blunt in his condemnation. |
"The swamp cabinet will be a little less foul without him," he tweeted. | "The swamp cabinet will be a little less foul without him," he tweeted. |
Advocacy groups have accused Mr Zinke of being in hock to corporate polluters, and many welcomed his departure. | Advocacy groups have accused Mr Zinke of being in hock to corporate polluters, and many welcomed his departure. |
Jamie Williams, president of conservation group the Wilderness Society, said he feared what he called the "drill everywhere" policy would continue. | |
He said: "Unfortunately, even with Secretary Zinke out, the interior department remains disturbingly biased in favour of special interests over the health of American communities and the public lands that they love." | |
It is not clear if Mr Zinke resigned, or was fired. | It is not clear if Mr Zinke resigned, or was fired. |
News of Mr Zinke's departure comes just a week after the announcement that Mr Trump's chief of staff, Gen John Kelly, is to leave the White House. | News of Mr Zinke's departure comes just a week after the announcement that Mr Trump's chief of staff, Gen John Kelly, is to leave the White House. |
On Friday, Mr Trump named his successor, on an acting basis, as Mick Mulvaney, who is currently director of the office of management and budget. | On Friday, Mr Trump named his successor, on an acting basis, as Mick Mulvaney, who is currently director of the office of management and budget. |
However, video has emerged of Mr Mulvaney calling Mr Trump "a terrible human being" during the 2016 presidential campaign. |