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After Being Urged To Fire Scott Pruitt, Trump Expresses Confidence In Scandal-Plagued EPA Administrator

President Donald Trump is continuing to stand by Scott Pruitt amid an ever-growing series of scandals plaguing the EPA head.

While traveling back to Washington on Thursday night, President Trump was asked about the ethics scandals surrounding Pruitt. “I have to look at them, I’ll make that determination,” he said. “But he’s a good man, he’s done a terrific job. But I’ll take a look at it.”

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Pruitt, who is said to be one of the president’s favorites due to his steadfast commitment to slashing EPA regulations, has been called out for his expensive travel and security costs.

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On March 29, ABC News first reported that Pruitt had rented a house less than a block away from the Capitol building for $50 a night from a powerful natural gas lobbyist, J. Steven Hart, and his wife. It’s unclear whether Pruitt had received clearance from the EPA’s ethics office for the arrangement, according to Vox.

Pruitt lived at the house with his daughter, who was interning at the White House. It is uncertain whether or not she paid rent as well. The cost of the rent was significantly less than a typically a one-bedroom apartment in D.C., which goes for $3,526 a month. Pruitt, for the entirety of his six month stay, only paid $6,100.

Pruitt’s future still remains in question as some Republicans have begun to abandon him. The New York Times reported Friday that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly had urged the president as recent as last week to get rid of Pruitt. A number of Republican senators have already called for Pruitt’s resignation

Several times before, Trump has expressed his unwavering confidence in those around him only to fire them shortly thereafter.

Eric Silverman

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