Graphic shows high-level members of the Trump administration that have resigned or been fired.
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POLITICS

High-level White House departures

By Duncan Mil

July 6, 2018 - Scott Pruitt's tenure in Washington as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ended with his resignation amid a row over his ethical conduct while in office and alleged misuse of taxpayer funds.

A cloud has hung over Pruitt for months, as lawmakers from both parties, environmental groups and government watchdogs raised questions about his spending, housing arrangements, security team and pay raises for political appointees, according to a CNN investigation.

CNN revealed a former top aide alleged Pruitt and his staffers held regular meetings to “scrub,” alter or remove controversial events from his calendar. That investigation sparked two Democratic congressmen to call Thursday for the EPA inspector general to investigate whether Pruitt committed a federal crime.

Other allegations include his use of first-class travel at taxpayer expense connections with lobbyists and industry groups, accusations of using his office for favours, a $43,000 soundproof phone booth for his office and his rental of a high-end condo from an energy lobbyist’s wife.

He also demanded 24-hour-a-day protection from armed officers, resulting in a 20-member security detail that cost taxpayers more than $3 million.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 06/07/2018; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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