The dog ate his testimony.
His attitude and arrogance said all I need to know about how the man views our earths environment. He's entitled to it any way he pleases.
Off with him America
2018 !!!!! VOTE
2
Pruitt is a dirty politician making the planet dirtier. He should be removed.
2
They say that there is a saying "Down South": "He needed killin'." Essentially the saying is applicable to Mr. Pruitt. He is a disgraceful human being who needs to be taken out back and shot.
Journalists use to refer to the sort of questions and comments rolled out by the Republican Representatives as soft balls. Hardly had the spunk of a sand lot stick ball game. In a woman's soft ball league these guys wouldn't even see the ball coming, let alone be able to hit it. Pruitt said,"I was not aware of the approve" of his Super Man phone booth(gag). Just thinks the rest of the country is That Stupid, I guess. Questions: 1) do other Secretaries have these booths; and 2) any of these slow pitch Republicans also on the receiving end of the energy lobby "donations" pipeline?
1
"There was delegation given in my authority.” [Pruitt] said, “I was not aware of the amount, and I was not aware of the bypassing that was going on.”
I don't know how the New York Times could deduce what Pruitt was saying about how his authority was supposedly given to others to determine who to give massive raises. He is twisting and torturing the English language in an attempt to foist his responsibility for granting raises -- and for every other wrong he committed -- to everyone but him. Pruitt uses the passive voice to blame phantoms for things he did wrong. He doesn't say, "I wasted millions of dollars for my own security, even when I wasn't working." But rather, he says the equivalent of, "Much money was spent to me for protection on a private Disneyland visit by me." I'd like to add to the comment by the congresswoman who said she may have been elected but was "not a fool" who accepted his subverted answers and language. Neither are the rest of us, excepting the weeny GOP Congressmen, including the one who suggested that those of us criticizing Pruitt are like McCarthy-ites hunting phantom communists.
Joe Barton's coddling of Pruitt is symbolic of the stubborn, mindless resistance to the facts of climate change that the fans of big oil indulge in. For stark contrast I remember when Obama returned from China; Barton criticized Michelle for wearing a red dress; not sure of his exact words but he referred to it as some sort of symbol of communism. Who exactly does this appeal to? Keep yapping Joe.
If he stays, then more people will vote against republicans. If he goes, then the administration looks like it appointed a grifter. A no win situation for republicans a no lose situation for those who want responsible government.
Actually Pruitt harkens back to the corruption of Htr Harding administration. Remember Tea Pot dome, Harry Daugherty, Charles aforbre..a time warp in our backyard.
Pruitt's disingenuous display today was not surprising considering he represents the most corrupt and unethical administration in history, from trump on down. He took responsibility for none of his unethical and illegal activities, but triangulated, lied, covered up, and deflected. No wonder people do not have faith in government. Pruitt's senses of entitlement and waste of taxpayer's money was just the beginning and not the end of this sorry excuse for a public servant...Serve the billionaires, big oil & gas, and corporations and like trump he will be dead before the air and water and the poisons he is responsible for kill the rest of us and our children!
2
Looked up his biography. How is this man only 49? He looks about 20 years older. Either this bio is not correct or Mr Pruitt isn't at all healthy. Hmm....
What an embarrassment to our country, turning his back to science, one of human-kinds great accomplishments. This person poses a great threat to our planet. Also I hope these people are going to repay the American people for all the lavish furniture and other excesses that they are spending on our dime. I will let him know if I see him on coach, now that he has been demoted!
1
Before Scott Pruitt one could claim to be a skeptic about anthropomorphic climate change or the exact amount we humans have impacted climate change.
Now that has all been tainted by Scott Pruitt as he is against the idea of anthropomorphic climate change purely out of profit to himself noting about facts.
I would have thought true skeptics would be livid about how this swamp creature has tainted any argument against anthropomorphic climate change.
There should have been relentess and forceful questioning of the unsupportable basis of Mr. Pruitt's assault on the environment and our global heritage. His unethical behavior should be condemned, but he is presiding over the intentional destruction of our planet and civilization. In a normal world, that should result in a jail sentence.
1
Isn't it clear that he needed the SKIF so that those in the EPA who still believe in protecting the environment would not be able to overhear Pruitt plotting with various polluters and fossil fuel companies to sabotage the environment and regulations designed to protect it.
1
This just looks sad. All they can do is compel him to appear or face contempt, but then nothing actionable comes out (surprise!). Ironically, our tax money is spent displaying impotent disapproval over....
The EPA has been eviscerated, but this is the best we can do?
1
One of the many “best people” who decidedly were not. How much longer wil the GOP tolerate Pruitt’s mismanagement and corruption?
The last sentence is all you have to read: "Asked whether Mr. Pruitt should resign, he said no." That's the way it will go. Pruitt will stay, and our children's and grandchildren's future will be bleak. The GOP has proven in this Congress that they do not care for the majority of Americans, or their future, especially children, women, and minorities, only the 1% and the likes of the Koch Brother's and their billions.
2
Trump republicans have a hard time remembering. And either they don’t believe in science or they skipped class entirely. The missing link comes to mind when watching them be seemingly so confused with the simple questions. There is something missing here for sure.
Maybe we have finally found the missing link?
2
We are all suspicious that public servants may be putting their own interests ahead of their responsibility to serve the public. What is amazing is to see that demonstrated, time and again, by the appointees of this administration in such stark relief.
3
He was put in that position because of his attacks on the EPA, and his propensity for working for oil and gas companies. His career path was not unnoticed by Trump but a deliberate choice to undo all he could. Surprising I think not.
4
Pruitt is an utter disgrace to our nation. Every spineless member of Congress that looks the other way as the mountain of corruption involving this man is revealed should be voted out of office. America is better than this!
As President Macron eloquently stated, "There is no Planet B!"
9
Just imagine that Obama is president again and instead of Pruitt, the EPA chief is some Obama appointee accused of a fraction of Pruitt's wrongs. What would we be hearing then from those same "spineless" (great word) GOP Congressmen? Would it be those same words of comfort and sympathy for being subjected to McCarthy-like attacks by critics. No way. The same Republicans now sympathizing with Pruitt would be standing on chairs to be heard. Their denunciations would ring out loudly enough to reach people on the opposite coast. The demands for firing would be shriller than a sports coach's whistle. They'd call for investigations by oversight committees, appointments of special counsels, impeachment by Congress. That's what the GOP should be saying and doing now against Pruitt, instead of soothing and supporting him. Why would anyone back this loser? Because Republicans expect nothing better from a president whose notion of always hiring the nation's very best is Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, Tom Price, Steve Bannon, Sean Spicer, the Mooch and Rob Portman (who was accused of beating two former wives). It almost was Ronny Jackson. And, despite everything, still is Scott Pruitt. I guess if you back Trump, you'd back his band of losers.
With all due respect to the country of Columbia (and the people of West Virginia), were Columbia a state could we begin to empathize with a congressman from that state thanking and heaping praise on Pruitt and the current administration for bringing back the jobs of cocoa farmers, who had been ruinously aggrieved by the regulatory overreach of previous administrations? You would think not, yet that's exactly what is expected of us by Congressman Jenkins from West Virginia. How about if we respect coal miners enough to know they can do something other than dig coal out of the earth? How about if we fund the economic initiatives to help them find what that is, and to help train them? It seems Congressman Jenkins, no matter how often he uses his tie to clean his smudges glasses on national television, will never be able to see clearly on this issue.
3
He wasn’t aware of $43K spent for his personal phone booth? If he’s telling the truth he’s incompetent or he’s lying. I’m certain he’s lying.
5
Ethical Representatives could no support Pruit. Ergo Republican Representatives will support him.
1
Trump knows a con man when he sees one. Hired!
2
those who lie for trump, will end up dying for him as well....
2
Given Pruitt's total lack of ethics in his current position, one must wonder about his behavior in Oklahoma as a prosecutor. It's not much of a stretch to believe he would have lied on search warrant applications, evidence sharing, and many other things. Perhaps a review of his prosecutorial history is in order to look for other forms of misconduct.
33
I’m sure there are hardened criminals with more Ethics and candor than this poor excuse for a human being.
2
The mantra of the denizens of the Trump swamp. I had no idea how much it cost. i didn't do it, order it, buy it. I was within my authority to fire someone, re-write the rules or enjoy whatever perks I could wring from my office. Someone else knows the answer to that question. In other words as my children used to say "not me."
34
OH HUM, another committee haring wasting time and money. The dems will rant and rave, the repubs will ignore and the real power, big money donors to the repubs, will not worry. Their hatchet man is the best and who cares what his ethics are?
2
I'd really like to see what a $43,000 phone booth in an Executive Office looks like. If the NYT has a photo, please share it with those who paid it.
20
I've also been trying to envision this soundproof "booth". Does it look like the old phone booths we used to have for talking in privacy while others waited in line outside? Those were also the booths that Superman used to change out of his Clark Kent and into his crime-fighter cape and leotard. Or is it more like the old British phone booths, which were more stylized and distinctive, like so much else about Brits. When reading these stories on Pruitt's booth, I can't help but picture the old Cone-of-Silence contraption that Maxwell Smart used for talking with his chief about supposed state secrets. That ridiculous enclosure descended from the ceiling but never worked quite right, made laughs, not privacy. All I can say for sure is that for $43,000, Pruitt's should be made of precious metals and so sophisticated that it can block all those irritating calls from 1-866-telemarketers, the kind that plague all of us unwashed little people. You know who I mean, the people who are paying for this ludicrous and outrageous machinery.
6
Exactly. It makes you wonder whether he didn't also commission a secret phone built into a shoe.
3
"Mr. Barton said: “You’ve been attacked for flying first class. Was that illegal? It may look bad, but it’s not illegal.”"
I was a federal employee for 30 years. To fly first-class would have certainly been illegal for me. Are appointees above the law?
22
Shows over. Pruitt's off the hook. GOP comes through again.
This is how it works now: Anything goes if you have the power. The GOP has the power.
Pruitt's probably flying first class laughing all the way to one of his discounted mansion homes while preparing to loosen some air and water regulations, while coming up with more scientific words to ban from the EPA's use.
8
I predict this ends up in the streets. I'm looking forward to it.
3
Scott Pruitt since his nomination had just one goal in his agenda: to please his boss and at the same time to take advantage of his position to gain power and money. If the water is polluted or the broccoli for our children are carcinogenic it's not that important after all. The 1% eat organic.
9
Scott Pruitt is not going anywhere--the Republican Crime Family is the wind beneath his wings. Their lack of ethics, morality, and accountability knows no bounds and Pruitt is their boy, one of them who's willing to abandon every last shred of decency for Trump, the Koch Bros., the rest of the uber-wealthy, and to line his own pockets. The Republicans are waging war on the public and on future generations in every sense, so this was just another puppet show. Vote every Republican out of office in November.
15
Does the United States have ANY law enforcers like
those guys at Scotland Yard?
2
I can't wait to see what happens when the Democrats get control of the House of Representatives for the next Congress that starts in January.
Pruitt will high tail it back to Oklahoma rather than face the scrutiny he deserves. The man is a crook.
12
Just another fine example of "only the best people" becoming part of the current administration. What a crock.
7
Thank you NYTimes for your relentless and honest reporting on Pruitt's unbelievably outrageous behaviors.
It must be exhausting to expose the daily scandals involving this man and then watch the cowardly GOP do absolutely nothing.
This GOP has lowered the bar for all future candidates vying for public office. Lying is not only the norm, it is expected.
I believe it was David Frost, who when asked if he, himself, ever considered going into politics, replied very indignantly,
"Hell NO, I'd go directly into crime."
9
It was a poor first and second act for a lawyer pretending to be an administrator in a presidential cabinet in the greatest country of the world. With this intermission, let's check our Facebook and emails for a better good evening out because this play is working itself into a sorry ending.
3
I would love to see the questions posed today. Did anyone ask about how a low paid public employee in Oklahoma could afford the real estate deals he pursued? Even as our AG, he did not earn (legally) much more than $100,000 per year. How did he get three mortgages to buy a $1.2M home, put kids through private school, and have a stay at home wife? Why is the defrocked bank executive who extended those loans to Pruitt now over the SuperFund Program? If the industries Pruitt oversaw as AG paid for his lavish lifestyle, I think we taxpayers should know it. If they continue to pay for his Tulsa home today, and for his DC home, as well, he needs to reveal that. The NYT had some good insights on him.
92
Next flight to Moscow never to return seems reasonable.
3
This guy is prostituting the EPA with seeming impunity; but his day will come and the EPA will also be restored to its former place as an effective defender of our planet. Honestly, how dumb does he think Congressmen and Congresswomen are? Everyone can see through his self serving, entitled, approach to hustling all he can get from his position...Bulletproof car, no puncture tires, soundproof both in his office... sheeseh, what is next First Class Travel to a "meeting" in Morocco for Christmas?
9
Ethics cloud?? Tornado is more like it. The man is the exemplar of 45's cabinet, unethical, out to destroy the very agency they have been selected to lead. I will not get a "NYT Pick" on this but who cares. Sometimes even with restraint of language, it is necessary to stop being erudite and state in the most simplistic, (but non offensive language), the unvarnished truth.
9
You got the Admiral, you won't get Pruitt. Move on.
Mr. Pruitt stuck me as a student who arrived in class totally unprepared for the scheduled test. After he leaves his current position he should try out for next season's "Dancing with the stars".
1
Just a feeling of disgust as I read what Mr. Pruitt said during this hearing. Either he doesn't know what's going on, or he is lying about what he knows. Either way he is a golden boy for the Republicans - - rolling back environmental regulations, supporting the oil, gas, and coal industries, discouraging science, and showing no remorse whatsoever for spending taxpayer dollars on himself. He is a wonderful example of a Trump Republican.
7
Why would Rep. Ken Calvert of East L.A. and inland SoCal choose to paint an electoral on the seat?
Trump is caught in a trap of his own making over Pruitt. The truth of it now is that the Democrats love every minute that Pruitt hangs on in the Trump administration. Nothing is better for Democratic energy and fund raising than Pruitt, not even Mueller's investigation right now.
Pruitt has become the epitome of Trump sleaze and in-your-face pandering to favored corporations. He fills the news cycle with real things to be outraged about.
Trump should have gotten rid of him yesterday, but he's afraid of looking weak and stupid, and even more afraid of trying to confirm a replacement.
Hey Donnie -- you so tired of winning yet? Really?
8
Lying seems to be the only language these deplorable appointees know. The Con Don is turning OUR white house and government into a cesspool.
7
Another "Congressional Circus" ... all show and no go.. at the end of the day Pruitt will keep his job. Because the GOP run Congress will always look out for their own. The DEMS sacked Al Franken over essentially nothing - Pruitt is drinking a scotch and soda right now laughing it up..
9
Pruit should be fired and made to repay the govt.
9
It's ironic that he is the EPA head, as his head is chuck-full of garbage.
9
All repulsives have something in common. Unethical, immoral and greedy. They defend their own. We can only hope that the Dems will retrieve some seats and rid us of this blight. Pruitt is an idiot.
10
Our current government is now in the process of purchasing more swamp for all of their croc-a-gators to propagate for the benefit of mankind? They need ample room to grow and an adequate food supply to become bigger and badder.
Has anyone seen any evidence of "draining" or is the answer sustaining for future growth?
3
He's a " made man". Corruption is inherent to our society; it just is not supposed to be so blatant. No consequence for him which should be a slap in the face for those who still hold out hope for our country.
6
Do you have to be s grifter to be a Trump appointee?
10
Remember everyone: Trump wants Pruitt to replace Sessions. So he is not going to fire Pruitt.
6
Let’s all remember that this energy industry flunkie harbors presidential ambitions that his cronies with their bottomless pockets (especially after all the money he’s saved them from adhering to all clean energy and water standards) will be happy to fill his coffers.
Let’s all work to assure that Pruitt climbs no further on the governmental ladder.
12
Let’s not try to put to fine a point on all of Pruitt’s testimony and behavior. He’s a liar without a shred of ethics. He is for sale to any and all bidders. He views his public responsibilities as inconveniences to be ignored. He serves two masters, wealth and greed both of which are embodied in the liar and crook who appointed him.
9
The Kochs aren't going to let Trump fire their hand picked arsonist even if he wanted to.
13
None of this nonsense is going to change until the foxes are led out of the henhouse. (Read: Republicans voted out of Congress). November 6 can't come soon enough.
8
Well, from Oklahoma, my brother still lives there. Pruitt wasted taxpayer money there as attorney general on conservative junk that he would never win. Ten commandments, anti-gay stuff. And OK government is the most corrupt I've ever heard of. The oil and gas companies write the legislation and their flunkies enact it. They still have to do nothing about the earthquakes they are causing all over the state. They know that science is statistical and even if there is a 99.99% change that their injection wells are causing the quakes they say, well, it isn't proven. Same with climate change.
82
I'm a fellow Oklahoman, and truer words were never spoken.
17
It's also worth noting that of the 13 lawsuits against the Obama EPA that Pruitt joined for Oklahoma:
* in 11 they lost completely.
* in 1 they got a partial judgement on a side issue in their favor, but lost the main point
* and in the last, the issue of the constitutionality of the Clean Power Plan, the Supreme Court has not ruled ... Trump & Pruitt making the issue moot.
But the citizens of Oklahoma might well ask why they were paying for a guy with a track record this lousy ... as might all those fine oil and coal barons who really were making Pruitt's lifestyle possible.
5
I wish someone had had a glass of water from Flint, MI and asked him to drink it OR groundwater from OK.
Asked him to digest some coal ash that is now allowed to run off into streams and lakes now.
Asked him to inhale some methane which companies don’t have to collect, stifle (I’m saying this incorrectly) or burn off but can now release into the sky.
We could go on and on:
http://environment.law.harvard.edu/POLICY-INITIATIVE/REGULATORY-ROLLBACK...
13
Tarred and feathered would have been the old school way but such things are rightly gone. This tool of the koch bros is only in it for himself (obviously) and public service is a long lost dream; he has no shame and serves many who have perhaps less. Vote their enablers out that is the only way to bring an end to this shame. This country was founded with brightness and thought and, sadly, not without injustice, but with a chance to remedy that injustice and in response to the few who take advantage of those freedoms for their own gain, and forget the injustice, and the freedoms so hard fought, there can only be resistance, and exposure through the press and the courts and, one can hope for a return to people who serve in government with some moral purpose aside from lining their own pockets.
1
The Republicans didn’t just soft-pedal their questions. They heaped praise on Pruitt, thanked him effusively for his service, and had the gall to apologize for the Democrats’ questions. Oh, and Joe Barton (R, TX) the chairman of the committee, addressed the female representatives as “young lady.” As in “the young lady’s time is up.” Not only should Pruitt resign, but so should Barton. No wonder we’re where we are and in this country. By the time these anachronisms die off, there will just be a new brood of old crocks to take their place and we’ll never be rid of these out-of-touch Some of them should have been close-captioned, they barely had the energy to get their words out and we couldn’t understand a word they said. No wonder nothing gets done. They’re lazy, deaf, and mush-mouthed.
13
I propose a new executive department: Office of the Grift.
Kushner and Pruit can have a WWF style cage match on Fox to decide who becomes Secretary of the Grift. Looser goes to jail.
5
Pruitt and Carson both need to be held accountable for the spending violations and the retaliation against honest staff. They are responsible for the actions within the agencies they head.
12
This self-serving man needs to be removed from this post. He seems to think that the mission of the EPA is to SERVICE industries whose aim is to pollute our environment and to recoup money and kickbacks from lobbyists. What a cynical man, and one who deserves to be investigated seriously, not just a moment of mansplaining to an already Republican dominated Congress. Act on this now before he does any more damage -- like firing scientists! What does he know anyway?
12
He knows nothing. How do you think he got the job?
6
The one question I would ask about the dome of silence is this: “Mr. Pruitt, the EPA has been around since Richard Nixon established in the the 70s. Why is it that you are the first administrator to seek such a private line? Do you have something to hide?” PB
9
Well, actually the EPA has a "SCIF" in the building where Pruitt's offices are located that he could have used if he needed to conduct a secure conversation with the White House. Problem is, that SCIF is on a different floor. Obviously that explains why we needed to build a separate facility in the Director's office.
4
Ethics and Pruitt do not belong anywhere near each other. He is the quintessential Trump acolyte.
10
Well, he is just like Trump: he does whatever he wants to do and delegates the morality, legality, and any other tiresome detail to someone else. He thus is so very truthful when he claims ignorance. No wonder Trump likes him.
Both Trump and Pruitt are firm believers in the concept that ignorance is akin to innocence, which might actually be true, except like any good shyster, they know exactly what they are doing.
Absolutely no wonder why that man gets death threats.
(I don't use FarceBook, btw.)
5
What a farce the government has become. Congratulations Trumpers. We're the laughing stock of the world now. R.I.P.U.S.A.
7
Pruitt is a corrupt, arrogant, self-serving, destructive, power hungry egomaniac. Perfect for tRump's cabinet.
10
We now see how "The Best People" respond to questioning regarding their activities. They follow the example of "Boss Trump" and lie. Unfortunately in the case of Scott Pruitt, his "alternative facts", in particular those in relation to the interpretation of scientific research, will adversely affect you, me, our children and generations to come with respect to the future state of the environment.
7
Pruitt is "not aware." He handed it over to his accountant. He "didn't know." Or my favorite, It's "being investigated in-house." Not only is Scott Pruitt purposefully bleeding dry the EPA, he refuses to pay any attention to what's going on around him as he does so. He needs to go back to Oklahoma and stay there.
21
There was reporting on MSNBC a month ago that Pruitt brought his entourage to Morocco via two nights in Paris to lobby for US liquefied natural gas for the sole benefit of major Trump donor, Carl Icahn.
Hope this story was aired in the hearings, since it's egregious behavior.
21
I watched C-SPAN all day and didn’t hear about that specific incidence of travel abuse of taxpayer money. Mostly the committee spoke in general terms. They only had 5 minutes each after all. And of course the Republicans said nothing. And Pruitt’s only response was that the previous administration traveled MUCH more than he did.
2
Maybe they actually did work for the EPA and as far as we know, no one under that administration flew 1st class. . . They weren't on family vacations.
Rep. Joe Barton of Texas is correct when he said to Mr. Pruitt that "you’re not the first victim of Washington politics." Indeed, he is not. The entire country is the victim of a "Washington politics" foisted upon a gullible public by the likes of Joe Barton, Scott Pruitt, President Trump and a host of abominable members of fecklessly unproductive Congress and our national administrative circus of clowns and chaos.
17
Scott Pruitt.
A Monster.
The single individual probably most responsible, after Trump, for the destruction of our planet.
Think about that. Our planet.
Oh and by the way he's also corrupt.
25
Another person in Trump's collection of staff and cabinet narcissists, who oppose the mission of the agency they run, are grossly incompetent, are in bed with the industry that they regulate, are openly acting to increase their own financial position ... but very fortunately. are so grandiose that they (like Trump) do all of this crazily and dramatically in front of our eyes ...
14
Oh yea ... I forgot about the $43,000 Get Smart “Cone of Silence” ...
I've said this many times in the last year and a half....IF....this were a Democrat the Republicans would be calling for him to be fired!!!
Republicans zero ethics, values....total hypo!
21
Arrogance personified. Ethics "schmethics". This guy has got to go.
17
He is disgusting.
18
One Word. LIAR. This is Scott Pruitt's legacy. The only other description for his current administration in the EPA. Corrupt! Corrupt!
14
Let's hope our young people are watching this, and take up the cause of our suffering Earth, just as they did with school shootings.
15
I hope they do too. I do think the Earth will survive in spite of trump. Through Ebola, AIDS, hanta virus et al, it will fight the disease threatening its existence, humans. (Read “The Hot Zone.” It will give you hope.)
It's not by any means simply a "lack of ethical behavior." This reptile is a serial, life-long wannabe who craves the ability to live high (like the others who can really afford privately-owned aircraft), have "stature" (like those who really do need protection (hah!) ), give the appearance of affluence (a $30,000.00 private phone booth? Gimme a break), and have the panache or mystery of those who are really in the upper reaches of the intel world (ditto).
He's an arrogant, imperious snot, which at other times would mean he has no place being anywhere close to government, but in these times, seems to fill the catalog of qualifications.
The only "environment" about which he has any knowledge, unfortunately, is the environment of a private club into the inner sanctum of which he's bullied his way by leaning on some member who wants something from him. He's a phony, and a thug. Oh, and a wannabe.
17
Pruitt's tenure is nothing but a cash grab at the expense of our health and the quality of our air, water and lands.
14
So happy to listen to the congressional questioners (at least a few of them) call out Pruitt’s behavior for what it is: an abuse of power. He is as venal as it gets.
Pruitt: possibly Trump’s worst Swamp Thing.
11
Even if Pruitt left today, I fear the damage that he's inflicted on our natural resources is such that it may take years or decades to recover-if recovery is even possible. The new deputy administrator-a one-time coal lobbyist-appointed by Trump, may be even more dangerous. I'm afraid this congress will be content if the new guy flies coach, while continuing to destroy the E.P.A.
7
Why is it a witch hunt and McCarthyism when conservatives break the law, but corruption and crookedness when progressives break the law?
Maybe we just need some alt-laws to counter the real laws. We may not be far off from that actually.
2
Where’s Trey Gowdy now? Mounting another Benghazi investigation?
4
The man is such a want-to-be and he's really always been a has-been.
4
Pruitt is a very devious man who appears to be at ease offering misleading explanations to Congress. Another example of Trump’s faliure to consider what is best for the country in making appointments. The Senate obviously was willing to approve this highly questionable appointment. Americans deserve better than Trump’s swamp dwellers.
9
The plague of "more" for all comparatives continues. I would have written "much gentler" instead of "much more gentle."
2
Pruitt 's job is safe. He is destroying both the EPA and the planet, just like the Koch brothers have ordered. The perfect trump appointee.
10
"The travel office and the security team determine where I sit on a plane. And all trips that I have taken, in respect to EPA dollars, have been for official trips."
Ah, now tell us about the trip to Morocco that involved a 2-night overnight in Paris for your entire entourage (in addition to 20+ security detail!)--ALL FIRST CLASS ON OUR DIME. They conveniently "missed" the connecting flight to Morocco after the first night in Paris. Ah, we'll always have Paris... He should be run out of town; if Trump doesn't dump him as if he is radioactive then he's even a bigger charlatan than Pruitt. Which he is, of course.
10
Sounds like he said a whole lot of nothing at all. It would be nice to see some of the 10 investigations going on about his conduct reap some fruit in the form of forcing him from the job. Well, one can dream, at least.
6
I don’t care why or on what grounds, but this guy has to go.
4
Would the E.P.A. restrict scientific studies used to form policy? Mr. Pruitt responded: “It seems to me that it’s common sense that as we do rule-making, we base it on scientific conclusions that we should be able to see the data and methodology that causes those conclusions. That makes sense to me.”
Does this make sense to anyone else? Because I can't understand a word of it.
11
Pruitt is proposing that the data on which all EPA-funded studies are based be released into the public domain. On its face, this is quite an admirable policy, and one that should be the norm across the government.
Problems arise, though, when the data concerns identifiable humans, particularly their medical data. The target of this restriction are studies that conclude people die from air pollution by looking at medical data that may be confidential under Federal law (HIPAA). A common solution is to "anonymize" the data, but it might still be possible to deduce the identity of study participants based on their demographics, particularly people with uncommon traits or diseases. (The IRS, for instance, does not publish certain information about incomes because at the very high end, it might be possible to identify the people involved.) So studies that employ data about environmental effects on public health could be blocked by this rule.
See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/04/25/sci...
2
Simply put, Pruitt, is in the pockets of the biggest polluters in the US, he has sued the very people he is now employed by, and using the corporations the EPA is supposed to police, their condos, and the condos of lobbyists, as well as hiring them and giving raises. This is a direct ethics violations, and a conflict of interest. We the people need to demand the resignation of this man. He's fine with polluting the very planet, his children, and grandchildren will inherit. He cares nothing for them, why should we expect Pruitt to care about the citizens of this country for which he in theory, is supposed to put above his personal leanings.
Pruitt's EPA, is taking down science from the EPA website that has been proven, which makes the EPA less transparent, and less open the citizens of this country, who's interests the EPA is supposed to be protecting. It's censorship, it's outright government censorship, and the only way Pruitt, and the Trump administration can keep his supporters, supporting him.
15
Ethics, integrity, leadership, morality, human decency, vision... all sadly lacking in this small, small man.
16
Pruitt cares nothing for his job other than to destroy the agency. Congress has to do a much better job vetting people for these important positions. Pruitt has been nothing but a disaster for the EPA since taking over, while living high on the taxpayer's money. I'd like all my money back from his trips, especially the one to Paris and Morocco.
12
"....and said that such financial structures were commonly used to purchase real estate in Oklahoma."
really? "common"? is that how one buys property in Oklahoma? with a shell company? "personal responsibility"... that's what all of these "small government" folks keep screaming for.... well, here it is!
11
That's how one buys million dollar properties on a $38,000 yearly salary in Oklahoma.
4
Nothing will happen to Pruitt unless he is found in gross violation of the law. From now on he will be more subtle with his graft. He will go about his business quietly destroying the environment, while crowing about how good it is for the economy.
11
Scott Pruitt - hot air answers only. Every direct question is met with the same nothing answer, 'I am, my staff is, dedicated to working on this issue, we take it very seriously, blah blah blah". Hasn't got a definitive answer to anything - Great Lakes pollution issue, CA Clean Air Allowance - NOTHING. What has he been studying the last year? Oh, as the Senator from W. VA. noted, thanks for deregulation - we can now make steel that won WW2 again! I need to go for a walk to clear my head, please, let there be clean air outside still.
9
Please
(E)nd
(P)ruitt's
(A)uthority
Or our environment will suffer the consequences of setting us back for generations. Clean Air and Water folks- don't take them for granted.
12
When this administrations and their colluders answer questions about some ill deed, they consostently reply wusing the previous Obama administration as their touchstone. Would their defense perhaps be more defendable were they to refer to previous administrations, in the plural with documentation not just what they think transpired? Their obsession with a single past administration, along with trumpf’s Hillary obsession, makes them vindictive and losing a counterpoint.
4
Check out the Secretary's Mont Blanc pen...
6
He's the worst of the worst, and that's saying a lot with this bunch.
12
Cabinet Secretaries can be impeached. IMPEACH PRUITT, for heavens' sake!
8
Pruitt is a liar and a snake. He needs to resign and so do the liars who are agreeing with him in Congress. I have never head so much ignorance in my life. The women show far more intelligence, knowledge and understanding of the department, of the science of climate change and I agree with the congresswomen who said it is time for Pruitt to resign. He is a corrupt liar.
9
Throw this bum out....but please not all the way back to my beloved Oklahoma ...PLEASE!
8
Pruitt's claim that the charges against him are political is the same theme that Trump, House Republicans and Sean Hannity use - victimhood. But the truth is these people are thugs.
21
"Ms. Eshoo . . . asked Mr. Pruitt whether he would reimburse the government. He launched into a long response, but she cut him off."
There are lots of problems with an entitled individual such as Mr. Pruitt.
One of those problems is that plain and simple, he's a cheapskate.
3
If each Representative only has 5 minutes to question him, it's in Pruitt's best interest to make his replies as long and nonsensical as possible. And he does.
3
Just another slimeball appointment getting what he or she deserves, to be skewered in public on television.
How can Republicans possibly come to this man's defense? He's a rat plain and simple. His sense of entitlement is nauseating.
17
This is just a feel-good show for angry people. If congress was going to do anything about, it would've already happened.
6
This administration is unbelievable. Here is a cabinet member who is totally unqualified and ethically compromised and in no way should hold his position. Or any other public office. So why doesn’t he resign or get fired? Because President Trump has a doctrine which guides his thinking: never apologize and never admit when wrong. We can thank Roy Cohn for that. And Trump actually supports Pruitt - because he’ll never succumb to the pressure mounted by the press and public. Another example of how he puts his ego ahead of the nations well being.
7
Pruitt's *defense* of claiming he knew not what his department was doing seems to work all too well. The GOP never cares about their own ethical vacuum as long as one can say..."I didn't know."
A cabinet member of the US government proud to say in front of congress: "I'm incompetent." (and there is nothing you can do about it....mumbled under the table.)
8
Pruitt is straight out of the Gilded Age. Unfortunately, our President wishes he were, too.
8
Pruitt's ethical lapses and questionable judgement mirror those of Tom Price. Why should the outcome be different? Ask a lobbyist.
7
What an embarrassment to see my Congressman raise the specter of ‘McCarthyism’ to describe legitimate analysis of Pruitt’s actions. David McKinley and Don Blankenship: what did West Virginia ever do to deserve these two?
14
IN HIS OWN WORDS ----> I will Make Our Government Honest Again -- believe me. But first, I'm going to have to #DrainTheSwamp in DC.
https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/889435104841523201?lang=en
6
Entitled Priveleged Arrogant Nasty Thieving
Welcome to Scott Pruitt who represents the best of the best that our 45th president promised. The great swamp dweller
a religious hypocrite who cannot own up to his mistakes..
In the 10 commandments there is one that says "Thou shalt not lie"....
except for when it's convenient for you to do so.(please ask your cergyperson about the exception....Franklin Graham should be a good choice)
not a half a man...not a whole man... not a man at all ....because he believes he is entitled to all that he has stolen from the American people
LOCK HIM UP and the taxpayers want to be reimbursed for his GRAND THEFT.
17
I'd give anything to see how much money Pruitt's got stashed away that was given to him under the table so to speak from all those corporations that he reversed the controls on so now they're free to pollute everybody's air and water on the way to making billions of profit for themselves.
20
Pruitt is a clown. What an embarrassment to this nation.
21
He is hell bent on destroying all of the EPAs good works to clean up our environment. He has no business in that office- fire him. He's a crook just like his Boss
22
If Congress does not take action against Pruitt it is willfully lowering the bar for all future cabinet members, and anyone in government, basically. If they allow this to be the new standard then this country is in trouble to a degree none of us could have imagined two years ago.
16
I don't know why the Dr. was sidetracked, he has no experience, the rest of the swamp administration has no experience in doing the right thing for the American people. They refuse to learn and get on the correct page. We have a swamp administration that just go about everyday destroying the institutions that have been in place since the country was founded. In any other real world Pruitt would be kicked to the curb but in this administration and the spineless GOP he is seen as a god. Pruitt can put a sentence together better than Trump but his inability to stop his unethical behavior is reason in the old days called treason. Midterm are coming and there is a real God who can save us if we refuse to save ourselves.
5
Lock the whole administration in his soundproof booth and throw away the key.
16
"We are stripping burdensome costs from the American economy" he said. Has he considered the burdensome cost of a slow and painful death from those preventable illnesses that will result from his actions?
11
The only thing more polluted than our air, land, and rivers, is the administration’s who are supposed to protect them.
13
Mr. Pruitt is mocking the American people and the trust they instil in him as the administrator of the EPA. He appears to be untouchable and hold the American people in contempt for his luxurious tastes. He is damaging the environment and is wasting taxpayer money and should resign.
8
Are any of trumps appointees qualified? Not that I can see
10
It's really hilarious that Pruitt's defense is that this is all an attack on Trump's agenda.
Was it Mr. Trump's agenda for Pruitt to do the things he is now in trouble over? Really? The sound-proof booth? The first-class air travel? The deals in Oklahoma? His lodging deal?
Bet not. Pruitt is going the way of Tom Price. Good riddance.
11
Pruitt's corrupt behavior is endemic to the Trump Administration, possibly to much of American government.
The fundamental principles of the Constitution include a balance of powers between the three branches of Government, primarily for the purpose of avoiding the possibility of an authoritarian dictatorship that Trump is trying to set up. Making changes in laws and policy is slow and difficult deliberately to avoid a fascist takeover by a single administration or an extremely partisan Congress elected on a whim by a flighty electorate.
The Trump Administration is trying to trample all over Constitutional principles and they do it because they got away with it in a thuggish business (Trump) or a heavy handed rural state government (Pruitt). They are getting away with far more than they should because the framers of the Constitution didn't envision an Administration that would simply refuse to enforce laws passed by Congress -- the defined responsibility of the Administration. The framers also didn't envision a Congress that simply doesn't care.
We got here because too much money from very rich Plutocrats are running Government, with the Supreme Court's enthusiastic blessing (Citizens United).
Until the CU decision is corrected, the electorate frustration with a non-responsive government that elected Donald Trump will continue. It is the root cause of much of the very justified complaints about an arrogant Government that ignores voters needs.
120
Yes, yes, yes and more: Bring on the 2018 congressional elections!
2
The phone booth worries me! Since he is (only) the head of the EPA, there shouldn't be anything so top secret, that he needs it. Even the POTUS is using his cell phone.
1
Give given Priitt's behavior both here and back in Oklahoma should be a huge embarrassment to Republicans, but, of course, it isn't because that would require integrity.
9
It is never their problem. It is always a misunderstanding, or they are a scapegoat, or it is political, or it not "this" it's "that". All attributes of the corrupt liar that accepts no responsibility for their own actions.The fact of the matter is that with this administrator, under this administration, hard fought gains to correct hundreds of years of polluted air and water are being rolled back to reward big business. Period. Additionally, this administrator is corrupt and is using public resources to reward himself and his friends at all of our expense. Swamp, meet cesspool.
7
Has "The Treasure of Sierra Madre" been remade in DC?
"Ethics? We don't need no stinkin' ethics!"
(Apologies to John Huston).
10
Trump went to Washington promising to drain the swamp - looks like he just brought his own swamp creatures from the private sector. Unqualified, unethical and arrogant. The American system of three branches of government with unique powers and oversight is a process - unfortunately Trump and his base only sees it as a witch hunt. They should have paid attention in school in American history class, that is, if they were even paying attention.
5
Ever see one of those car crash testing films in slow motion?
Now just imagine Trump and all of his political appointees in a bus...
You get the idea.
10
Since Congress is responsible for holding Cabinet agencies to uphold the nation's laws and regulations, I would hope that someone today will ask Pruitt how and why he is doing just the opposite with our various environmental laws enacted over the past several decades. The Clean Air Act. The Safe Streams and Waters Act. And on and on.
Why has the Trump Administration been given carte blanche to single-handedly tear up, ignore or destroy national policy on education, the environment, banking regulation, mining, energy and all the rest?
Ooops, forgot, It is the Republicans who control Congress and the White House. How silly of me!
8
Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, made the first of two appearances on Capitol Hill on Thursday, the morning session in what is expected to be a daylong grilling over recent allegations of ethical infractions and lavish spending..."
Why is this classic example of Melanogaster hirtella', (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanogaster_hirtella#/media/File:Melanoga..., STILL employed to head a governmental agency that he claims-/-pretends is 101% unnecessary, anyway?
2
The Republicans who defend Pruitt are just as corrupt as he is. This man has not only violated numerous ethics rules, he broke the law and is working as a lobbyist for the very companies he's supposed to be policing to protect the environment for the American people.
7
If this man had a brain, which he has shown that he doesn't, he would step down. However, we all know that Trump put him in that office to destroy the E.P.A. and line his pockets and others full of gold, so he will be staying in the job until his boss is out of his.
5
I can't decide who is more of a worthless lump - this shell of a man or that Verizon stooge Pai at the FEC.
Wait, why choose? They're both horrible appointees with no business in government, much less a position of authority.
7
In the words of the notorious Boss Tweed, Pruitt "seen his opportunities and he took 'em."
There's an interesting dynamic here. Republicans like Ryan and Romney have that high school class yearbook patina of civility but they're really no different from the likes of Pruitt, Mulvaney, Zinke, Mnuchin, ad infinitum, ad nauseum. I suppose it's the absence of shame that separates the "nice boy" trickle-downers" from the out-and-out shysters.
Maybe it just comes down to who you rather have rob you: an Ivy League educated hedge fund manager in an expensive suit or a time-serving, bureaucratic infighting, bottom feeding poltroon in a slightly less expensive suit.
So glad America is great again.
8
Scott Pruitt is thoroughly corrupt.
Special housing deals in OK and DC. Seriously?
Disgraced bankers put in charge of EPA Superfund cash?
Trips to Morrocco to promote gas sales?
A SOUNDPROOF booth? What exactly is being discussed that in fact, could not stand the light of day on the front page of The NY Times? It is a GOVERNMENT position and function, not a secret cabal for the benefit of the monied and priveliged. I know money and privilege beyond measure. And my bit I earned it fair and honest.
Men such as Pruitt are contemptible schemers deserving of zero respect.
6
Benedict Arnold has competition. Scott Pruitt has betrayed our land, our air, our water, our children, our future. This self-serving monster must go.
7
America is nothing more than a cash cow for Mr. Pruitt and this administration. He is truly unfit to run this agency but don't expect the republicans in Congress to grow a spine or to care.
6
The sooner Pruitt is gone, the sooner steps can be made to repair the damage done to the environment by his policies.
A coward who places the blame on others rather than taking responsibility for his actions is despicable and has no place heading such an important institution.
The cronyism on clear display should be plain even to a republican.
4
All this can be summed up in a single word.
SQUALID.
I think, though, we began to see a pattern developing as far back as the Bush years. It goes like this:
(1) Government is always and only--the ENEMY. A bloated monster to be dragged into the bathroom and drowned in the bath tub.
(2) Government is STILL--very large. Even zealously plying every hatchet--every ax--every chainsaw they can lay their hands on, conservatives are STILL stuck with--a very large government. Even YOUR bath tub might not be big enough, Mr. Norquist.
(3) "Since God has given us the papacy--let us ENJOY it." An apocryphal comment made by Pope Leo X. Back in the 1500's. Such (I think) is the attitude of many conservatives nowadays.
Okay, we're STUCK with this bloated monster, this federal government that (even with the best will in the world) we cannot OBLITERATE all at once.
Then--let's ENJOY it. Lotta cushy jobs in that big government--all going a-begging. Hey, guys! Loyal fans! Wanna a nice job? Wanna sweetheart deal? Wanna take it easy for a bit? Enjoy a veritable CATARACT of perks--pleasures--emoluments?
And at the same time--fight the good fight? Help dismantle all the wasteful government programs set up by wicked DEMOCRATS-- detestable LIBERALS?
How about taking over the EPA?
Trouble is--all those axes and hatchets and chainsaws. . . .
. ..do frightful damage when wielded by hasty and unskillful hands.
You listening?
Mr. Pruitt?
4
Thank you for this coverage. What a weasel!
6
Joe Barton of TX thanked Pruitt for going against Obama's "radical clean air agenda." How's that for comedy from a man who was embroiled in a sexting scandal...
7
Ethics "Cloud"?
More like "superfund site."
6
Bereft of hope that the political process will fix things, I'm now waiting for a plague of locusts to descend on these people.
6
Theo said : "Trump and his appointees view the Presidency and other offices of state as a means for personal enrichment. We should be wary of what that view portends."
Working under the public trust in any public office carries obligations above just doing the job competently (which itself is beyond the capacity of many of the Trump appointees). Officeholders are accountable to the people, from whom they derive both their legal power and their financial support.
I think that we should hold every one of these "public servants" to account, and they should be obliged to disgorge all of the ill-gotten gains that they have taken or arranged for themselves, with interest, and additionally be subject to serving a jail term for violating the public trust, and for any crimes that they may have committed.
A lie stated orally or in wrriting to a federal officer (including lies involved in filing a tax return) are punishabke by a term in jail. Certainly misusing one's office for self-enrichment should carry a similar penalty.
It is time we started to enforce the laws. These folks are the perfect examples of bad actors to hold out to the public.
5
If you behave ethically, do your job with reason, integrity, and good faith, and support the people that work for you, you would have nothing to fear in first or last class or from what others might hear you say, even if they disagree with you.
Those who are paranoid know what they have done.
1
A committeeman observed that Pruitt has absolved himself of everything and passed blame for every subject that arose in the meeting on his staff, his accountants, career officials &c. In a hearing of over three hours, he did not definitively answer any questions, did not accept any responsibility, nor has he admitted to a lick of work or making any decisions whatsoever. It's all somebody else's doing. Amazingly, he is unable even to tell us what those doings are.
"Yes or no -- ARE you the EPA Administrator?" It took three asks and a scolding to get a "yes" out of him. I'll take that as a no. If he isn't responsible for, nor aware of anything that goes on under his administration, he should be fired for gross incompetence well before he is fired for any ethics concerns. On that even the more admiring among the GOP committee members must agree.
7
Dear Mr./Ms. republican politician: Enclosed is the 5-minute script praising Mr. Pruitt for removing all the job-destroying regulatory burdens imposed by the Obama administration. Included are a couple questions that will give Mr. Pruitt the opportunity to praise the many changes he has made at the EPA and out a positive spin on them. Please try and get familiar with your individual script before the hearing and before you start drinking. Your 5 minutes will be much more believable if you don't appear to be reading it for the first time, and, of course, if you're sober for the reading.
4
As the planet continues to become less hospitable towards our species, the historians of the future will judge this time period, this administration and this country harshly. Rightfully so. Our great grandchildren will undoubtedly ask "What were they thinking?" and hold us in utter contempt for sacrificing their future for our own greed and willful ignorance. I continue to be ashamed of our political system and the complicit GOP. Sadly, I am not hopeful that we are producing enough educated citizens to prevent this from every happening again. How did we become so dangerously selfish?
5
So many Texans with oil interests on that panel kissing Pruitt's boots, it was sickening. I would have loved for Mr. Pallone to have more time to get to the bottom of all Pruitt's scandalous behavior. They didnt' even touch on the Morocco trip which every American should be made aware of. But it was basically weak questioning by most members of the Committee and that is a shame. Hopefully the next hearing has more prepared members. I'd also like him to explain his bullet proof desk, car fabric, etc and how he justifies those expenses. And if he really broke the law, for God's sake, why are we even having hearings; get rid of him.
5
Sadly, as far as 'economic growth' Trump,Pruitt and every other big oil fan is right for the wrong reason. The infrastructure to handle fossil fuels is ready and producing right NOW. Of course, the industry has been subsidized and coddled in every way possible including war for the better part of at least a century. But the future real 'cost' is never calculated. By contrast, environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources need what is called 'start up' - time and capital. That is a fact which applies to any and every technology. We have ceased to invest in our future in many spheres of culture. Not use energy; education is another big one. We cut taxes to appease some folks in the present at a huge cost to the future. It's called complacency. The last major infrastructure which spanned decades and administrations was the interstate highway project. It generated oil jobs, auto jobs, highway jobs, and construction jobs as we created the suburban sprawl we now live in. Despite any judgement of the product; understand the process. Other than defense and space, we have ceased to invest. 'Vision' is limited to the next quarter. Not good. Not good.
1
Ethics cloud? Not the wispy little cirrus kind, that's for sure.
More likely, cumulonimbus.
Most likely, a cloud of smoke and soot from coal plants and concomitant pollutants.
The man's ethical violations extend to the planet, well beyond the walls of the EPA.
11
Scott Pruitt, small time corrupt politician in a state where that is accepted as long as you are true Red Republican, finds himself in the national crosshairs for the same behavior.
But his real crimes are against the planet and population by attempting to destroy the EPA from the inside. For that verdict, we will have to wait a little longer.
This is nothing new for the GOP, from Reagan on. Each GOP president has appointed EPA and Interior Secretaries hostile to the mission of their own agency.
14
It is disgusting that many in the GOP are willing to tolerate Pruitt's ethical lapses in exchange for gutting regulations on clean air /water and toxics.
15
Collateral damage to the deregulation of environmental policies are the cultural heritage policies to which they are often married. If a project is fast-tracked through deregulation it will result in the loss of archaeological and historical information, which is not, in any way, renewable.
15
Better headline would be The search continues for any ethics in Scott Pruitt.
49
Accusations of ethics breaches are fair game. But I sure would like to see Democrats and moderate Republicans attack the policy regime being advanced by Pruitt, and his underlying assumptions about an overreaching government in matters of environmental protection. Clean air and water, healthy ecosystems, and mitigation of climate change are completely defensible roles for the federal regulation and this principle needs to be defended in the face of Pruitt's ideological onslought. If these hearings are spent incessantly repeating the same ethics charges the larger and more important issues will he overlooked.
40
“I was not aware of the approval of the $43,000,” Mr. Pruitt told [the Congressman], “and if I had known about it, congressman, I would not have approved it.”
This begs follow-up questions. Is he claiming he didn't personally request the phone booth? Someone on his staff came up with the idea independently? Or he requested it, but didn't know the cost? If he did request it, why? If not, how was he unaware of such obvious construction in his own office?
34
Pruitt is clearly incompetent and unfit for his office, seeing as he has no clue how his staff is spending money under his name.
Get him out.
6
Rep. Welch of Vermont may have put forward the most incisive query: "Why?!" Emphasis his.
1
Re: "This begs follow-up questions." It does not. "Begging the question" does not mean provoking, eliciting, or suggesting a question. It refers specifically and exclusively to a logical fallacy also called "petitio princippi": assuming in your argument the very thing your argument attempts to prove.
Based on his answers, the term weasel comes to mind when describing Pruitt.
36
Dragging out the inevitable
4
This hearing is joke on the American people. Republicans praise and kiss putt's backside, They are controlling this hearing with contempt with little regard for American citizens safety interests. it's all about Corporate greed.
18
Past time for Pruitt to go....a leading figure in the Rogue's Gallery of cabinet heads....Hopefully, his 'boss' is not far behind.
14
Once again, we are seeing Trump's bottom-of-the-barrel appointees embarrass themselves and everyone in the administration.
Pruitt going on the offensive against his critics is a losing strategy. Best thing he can do right now is make a graceful exit—but that's asking too much of a self-indulgent, arrogant man who feels entitled to waste taxpayers' trust and money.
17
The GOP will dismiss Pruitt's unethical behavior just as they have with Trump and other favorite children.
Pruitt will retreat to his--*need for transparency in the EPA*-- cone of silence and continue to destroy the environment.
18
Like we believe one word of anything Sanders or Trump says.
17
What a despicable, pathetic excuse for a man. There is no hell good enough for this man with such avarice. greed and sick, twisted thinking.
29
Excuses, excuses, and probably lies. Does anyone actually believe Pruitt's excuse that he was unaware that his staff had requested to buy the 43k phone booth? Is there any office, let alone a government office, in which staff can make that sort of purchase without oversight? This is totally incredible. And even if he were somehow telling the truth, the fact that he runs an office in which this sort of craziness can happen without him knowing is itself damning.
20
"I am not aware"
9
You use the phone booth, do you not, Mr. Pruitt?
4
A non-scientist career politician that hates the EPA is suspect of unethical management behavior now that he's head of that same EPA? Clearly a witch-hunt by democrats. A science-based agency should have lawyers and public policy experts running it, not scientists.
6
What a weasel!
could he be more slippery??
12
"We are stripping burdensome costs from the American economy". Yes he is , straight into his pocket . This is the like saying one tenth for you and all the rest for me and my pocketbook . This man needs to held accountable for stiffing the taxpayers and making a mockery of what the EPA stands for , which btw was brought into being by a Republican President . He may thread his way by verbose and misleading answers , never answering questions asked but in the long run it's his actions more than his dissembling replies that matter . He needs to go and made to reimburse the taxpayers .
23
Pruitt needs to go. Either he is wholly unethical and violates both the spirit and mission of the EPA or he is wholly incompetent since he seems have no idea what is happening at EPA.
21
Shall we stop kidding ourselves?
The sound proof booth was to keep his discussing the marching orders from oil and gas companies from being eavesdropped on.
35
Pruitt needs info on what regulations to target next and which industries' are willing to pay for his retirement. And, it would not be good for the ethical people in his office to leak that out.
6
This man is a menace to our society. Our American values of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are under attack as Pruit champions industry over the land, water and eventually our own bodies. He has gleefully destroyed what amounts to lifetimes of work by the scientific community over decades of careful study and review to once again open Americans up to poison and toxic air. I live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, home to wild creatures and landscapes varied and fragile as they cling to existence at the threat of mining, logging, agricultural use and the human impact of encroaching development. Our state universities are the home to entire departments that foster ongoing careful scientific studies over decades to understand how these places support life and are impacted by our use. At a time when we are being called to accountability to the rest of the world for our recklessness disregard for the environment we all share, he is destroying the system of accountability in favor of wanton support of industrial pollution.
13
"There’s going to be a regulatory rollback...heading into this new administration, is to provide certainty to business industries across this country," he said. When he was in OK he filed legal actions against the EPA and now he is in charge of it?? Kinda like putting the fox in charge of the hen house. He doesn't believe in evolution, climate change and no matter the pollution as long as it makes money...yeah this sounds like someone Trump would pick.
8
He believes in kickbacks.
3
The reason why trump keeps him is that he is the only person in America who has less integrity than trump.
14
An ethics cloud? More like an ethics toxic chemical waste cesspool swamp.
18
Disregard his disdain for accepted science - this man should go based on inappropriate expenditures alone.
Isn't fiscal irresponsibility something we can ALL agree on?
Stop spending my tax dollars on bullet-proof desks and first-class tickets.
10
Yes, I gave my staff approval to do all those things, but it's all their fault.
Nice boss!
10
Maybe we can tar and feather this one? The French called him "butcher of the planet" after his ridiculous denials of climate change during a world conference in Europe..the ignorance and pandering to the fossil fuel industry..this is about all of us..right or left becomes irrelevant if we cannot live on Earth anymore!
12
This is one more example of the Trump Administration being seriously undereducated and under experienced for the job. A person who has to be told he should be saving taxpayer's money by not flying first class on frivolous trips, who needs to be reminded that it is his job to know what the salary and hiring policies are for his agency and when buying a private phone booth for more than many people can afford for a down payment on a house is inexcusable.
Then in addition to the mismanagement of the agency are the policies it is pursuing which do not reflect the needs or wishes of the American public. He should resign and he should take Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and other incompetents with him.
245
Mr. Barnett - you clearly think that Pruitt is doing something wrong - while the Trumpistas are cheering him on. The thing about Pruitt is that he is so incredibly arrogant that he actually thinks that he can get away with this stuff. And, really , why shouldn't he? His current behavior is no different than what he did while in the Oklahoma legislature, or as Oklahoma Attorney General.
Which, I guess proves the argument that the great state of Oklahoma has a higher level of tolerance for corruption than any other state. Remember, we hold the all-time record for number of elected officials concurrently under indictment or serving prison terms.
4
At this point in the Trump administration, Pruitt is the king of his own ever expanding swamp.
This man is venal, should be removed, his thefts seized, and make full restitution to the government to recover all of our tax monies which he has stolen from "us" taxpayers.
This man should be in jail.
14
An EPA administrator who knows"nothing" about what is going on in his agency is a threat to our health and safety.The lead poisoned water in Flint Michigan is exhibit A of what can happen when those in charge have a disdain for science and try mightily to do things on the cheap.Of course he does know what is happening and is blind to his duties but totally tuned in to every perk his office can possible afford him.
12
The man has a bulletproof desk. Does he think someone is going to shoot him in his knees?
28
His desk isn't just bulletproof, it blocks all scientific knowledge too.
17
The worst of the worse!!
19
"We are stripping burdensome costs from the American economy..."? And he accuses newspapers of lying while he professes the truth? To Mr. Pruitt, you are the liar. For first, the burdensome costs you are stripping are the costs to our and our kids' health, and your health, too. The costs you are stripping are those that the oil, coal, and manufacturing industries should be paying so as not to pollute the air we breathe and the water we drink. But why am I even wasting my words on this pathetic man? The GOP Congress will give him a pat on his hand with a "Tsk, tsk" only. And Trump will impugn our press, the Democrats, you, me, and all others who desire to preserve our natural resources. He will exclaim that he is a "good man" doing a "great job." What a farce of a government, what a disgrace of leadership..the whole lot.
39
Mr. Cramer ND a stellar example of Republican betrayal of the American people.
I hope the Times prints an exhaustive review of this ludicrous hearing.
30
Watching his testimony just now, Mr. Pruitt is emblematic of the ethical dumpster fire that is the Trump Administration. He is blaming others, not owning his own mistakes and, essentially, sneering at Congress and the American people with a "what are you going to do about it" attitude.
However, we have learned there is a surefire way to catalyze Trump into yet another firing. Just ensure that Pruitt is front and center for his sins, at all times. When someone in Trump's Cabinet has too much press, negative or positive, then Trump cannot abide that happening. And here's the good part - when it comes to Pruitt there's no such thing as fake news.
28
Pruitt, definition:
noun: Bad Guy
"You should certainly not employ him, he thinks he is a good guy, pure and generous, but he is really such a pruitt, trust me."
verb: To be utterly corrupt and self-serving.
"Please do not vote for Trump or anyone of his ilk as they will just pruitt day after day, wasting our time and money and creating an indecent uncaring America."
18
Blame the Democrats. They keep approving these incompetent, corrupt people picked by Trump and then they spend capital and energy trying to get rid of them. They just approved Pompeo and now they are bringing his ghosts out of the closet. Pruitt, Mulvaney, and Zinke are all worthless, yet, they got there by wooing some dumb Democrats. What is wrong with them? Do they like Trump tire marks on their faces? Obviously.
8
This may come as a bit of a shock, but Republicans actually control Congress. Apparently, they got elected and stuff, with a great deal of help from those who couldn't be bothered to vote.
24
pb, The Democrats, voted against Pruitt. I think there may have been 2 or 3 who voted for him but all Republicans voted for him. You are part of the problem not the solution. Ridiculous comments like yours are a form of false equivalency. I question your commitment to the environment.
8
pb, this is how inaccurate and ridiculous your comment is. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/02/17/us/politics/live-congress...
8
Can someone feed Mr. Pruitt some of that Lead-Laced Water from Flint, Michigan until he leaves office or passes out. Thank you.
45
Or his office/ home tap water could be connected directly to West Virginia.
6
The United States Congress might want to apply existing laws against the EPA director, and have him flushed down the Oval Office Toilet.
16
But that would be pollution or toxic waste ;)
4
I started watching this farce on C-Span but had to turn it off when 'guest' attendee Joe Barton (R-TX) began referring to Pruitt's trials as "McCarthyism".
That Scott Pruitt still serves as head of the EPA and is not under indictment is a stain on this country.
NOT my president
85
I almost fell out of my chair. That clip should seriously be used to run Democrat campaign ads.
6
Besides being corrupt, this guy is Trump's best wrecker, destroying the agency he is the head of that was looked up to as the world's leader in environmental protection.
16
Even if Mr. Pruitt makes it through this by not being aware, not recalling and being a victim of a vicious environment-loving media, the pattern here is so strong that it won't be long before another embarrassing ethical lapse starts it all over again.
6
Simple, fire him now. The whole world is waiting this. After, his boss too.
17
You have to pity the average American who feels so victimized by the Left and who embrace Trump and Pruitt. They actually believe these guys have their interests at heart.
This is an example of why the Right is so hostile to education. An uneducated populace is a boon for them.
33
An un or under educated populace is exactly what the GOP wants.
This phenomena is not a mistake by any means. It is intentional and within their best interest to keep the average American about as smart as a box of rocks.
10
No I don't have to pity them. These are the people who will spend hours watching Fox News or reading hate speech on social media but they won't spend fifteen minutes trying to learn actual facts about things that will impact their incomes, health and safety.
I don't pity people who applaud bigotry, ignorance and misogyny.
2
So, Pruitt is under an "ethics cloud?" The congressional panel should have been dressed in biohazard suits, to embellish the impact, and make a statement.
9
Itś so like Trump to appoint someone unqualified to head an important department or organization. Thatś the strategy he uses in business, i.e., appointing someone diametrically opposed to what the agency/department stands for in order to carry out his agenda or non-agenda. In some skewed way, Trump believes these are the people, who are most critical, who can carry out the plan of dismantling rather than bolstering its purpose. Trump and his crew have an intrinsic hatred and opposition to the very agencies they have sworn to uphold. Itś criminal and Pruit for one should be FIRED!
10
You are mistaken. Pruitt is exactly qualified to execute Trump's program. He is a dishonest destroyer, in it for what he can get, ready to blame truth for not being lies. He is a destroyer. That is what Trumpians elected, and Trump will support him all the way.
2
Pruitt's EPA itself is a contaminated site, a mass of sewage pollution that needs a Superfund cleanup by booting Pruitt out. Instead of cleaning up the environment, Pruitt's administrative sewer is pouring its dirty waters out all over the environment. I wish I could make every Trump supporter who ever cheered at "DRAIN THE SWAMP" put his/her nose into the smell of the corruption surrounding Trump's appointments until they come to recognize that ithey were duped by a slogan that was false pretenses; it was the exact opposite of who Trump is and what he intended to do. As the NYT editorial recently pointed out, Trump has nominated one disreputable office holder after another. His ability to tolerate Pruitt should earn him the name Dirty Trump. The Republicans in Congress, by supporting this carpetbagger, are doing so because Pruitt's environmentally devastating decisions are putting huge profits into corporate coffers. For themm, it's another version of the tax cuts they have lavished on wealthy corporations and investors. The name of it all is "Take the money and run". When it's counted up how much national wealth these guys ran away with, the cost of pollution and damage to the EPA should be counted in the tally.
5
McKinley: “You have given lots of relief to the coal industry, Pruitt. Thank you.”
McKinley, this is NOT about the coal industry. It’s about public health. All you talk about is helping the fossil fuel industry. The EPA function does NOT have an interest to help the fossil fuel industry.
Did even one Republican talk about citizen health?
EPA MISSION:
“Our mission is to protect human health and the environment”
Where does it say the mission is to help the fossil fuel and chemical industry?
29
Destroying the EPA from within by relaxing regulations that protect us against being poisoned by industrial pollutants is unethical. The reason Trump picked Pruitt for the job is that he is unethical. It's as clear as that.
14
The Republican party has willingly and gleefully become a club for predators and cheaters, financial and sexual, and the "base" turns a blind and prurient eye. If the so-called "Christian" evangelicals were to put down the Fox News Kool-Aid and stand up for their biblical principles, and quit making excuses for the un-biblical and amoral behavior of their "champions", we might have a prayer (no pun intended) that miscreants like Trump, Pruitt and Ben Carson and on and on and on... would never get in the door in the first place. But they won't. They've made an idol of their "victimhood". Beelzebub can't and won't cast out the demons in his own house. Matthew 12:26-72.
8
"Facts are facts" Like science? You know, the science you ignore in order to enrich your friends at the expense of public health? Having this guy in charge of the EPA is like having a serial killer run a center for peace and enlightenment. He is totally unqualified, corrupt, an enemy of truth, and a danger to the future of the American people. Get him out!
7
The atracks on "hidden" or "secret" science concern me greatly. This is oligarchy code for citizen science. The kind of thing Erin Brocovich did.
1
I watched the hearing this morning for as much as I could stand. One would think that the desire for pure air to breathe and clean water to drink would be non-partisan.
25
The EPA's regulations are based on science. From what I heard Pruitt say this morning, he has no idea what the scientific method is all about, nor has he heard of peer review and publishing standards. He suggested that the public should have access to the studies that lead to the making of rules and regulations so they can determine if rules are needed. As a scientist myself I can assure you that there are many articles where the public would have no idea what the title means, never mind understanding the methodology, results or conclusions.
8
That's what good journalists do - translate highly-technical language into understandable English. However, really outstanding scientists also realize the importance of explaining what they are doing and why it's important... unless they don't want the public to know.
2
Mum: Scientific journals are not magazines. Articles published in scientific journals are for other scientists not the general public. A journalist may want the public to know what the scientists are saying, and yes, they may translate the scientific jargon to understandable English for public consumption, but it is not the duty of "really outstanding scientists" to provide information on their work in a manner that can be easily understood by the general public.
1
So, if he's all about being the good guy, what is he hiding, and why is he spending our money hiding it? Why is he about silencing knowledge and honest voices? Why is he afraid of the truth?
About that paranoia. If we are to talk about personal attacks, how about the threats to Dr. Hayhoe's baby and Dr. Mann? They don't take first class, have bulletproof desks, or use public funds to install private phone booths to scheme with their self-dealing supporters. Here's honest evangelical climate scientist Katherine Hayhoe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdpfK7qyLRM
Mick Mulvaney has it right: they don't listen to those who won't pay for access, and even then they are selective: they only accept dirty money from big fossil (the wealthiest industries on earth) and polluters and abusive employers (Blankenship's corruption is plain for all to see, or example).
We have no Planet B. Kleptocrats bent on exploiting and polluting our hospitable earth at warp speed will not, in the end, be able to protect their own descendants from the coming storms. So stupid and greedy!
8
Look Scottie, you have to control your spending at the government's expense.
Then watch out when you get your pals jobs with you, that's called nepotism. It's not that the President doesn't do this, but you're beneath him, and he can get away with it. And one last thing, is that $ 50.00 a month apartment still available?
10
"And one last thing, is that $ 50.00 a month apartment still available?"
I do not respect Pruitt and he has wasted a lot of taxpayer money, so this is not a defense, just correcting the fact. The $50 condo was his daily rate, not monthly.
“It seems to me that it’s common sense that as we do rule-making, we base it on scientific conclusions that we should be able to see the data and methodology that causes those conclusions. That makes sense to me.”
If Pruitt is for this it is not good for either research or rule making.
The hearing is not supposed to be about his policies, but about his lack of ethics and questionable practices. To some in the congress (hint- GOP) they can't seem to separate the two.
12
Let's see if lawmakers on both sides of the aisle take this cabinet secretary to task for wasting OUR money. People are watching and want to see if our elected representatives are in fact good stewards of our resources. We are watching and more of us will be voting come November.
16
Anyone who can’t see that the current administration’s main goal is money, money, money, and the fleecing of America are blind.
The Republican Party is a business, and serves only the 1%.
117
You are wrong, it serves only the .1%.
1
Hopefully it is the Trump supporter who suffers grievously from this corruption.
If this disgusting and vile man can retain his position as head of the EPA, the values we claim to base our society on are null and void. Scott Pruitt and these others that Trump has appointed will kill America if not reigned in.
30
Pruitt is only following the unethical policies that he has been given permission to follow by being one of Trumps unethical appointees. He is just another cog in the wheel to destroy our Constitution, Democracy and country.
22
Pruitt has already publicly claimed that Exxon had no matters of interest to them before him. So, please ask him to testify under oath, under penalty of perjury for Pete's sake. He, like Donnie Boy, Cohen and the cohort of swindlers, is happy to tell bald faced lies to direct questions unless there are consequences.
16
No wonder Pruitt was such a good fit for trump, he is arrogant, entitled and above the law.
36
This what “draining the swamp” looks like???
10
Pruitt is an awful human specimen, corrupt to it's core. He not only must be ousted from a noble office, the E.P.A., meant to protect mother Earth, which he so vehemently is trying to destroy, but also from the unethical behavior to enrich himself by selling his soul to the sponsors supporting his evil ways. He must pay the excessive expenses incurred on our dime and then be jailed if justice has any say. This, not out of vengeance, but to set an example for all those abusing their station in life...and mend their ways. We are all in this together, to help each other, not for shameless thugs 'a la Pruitt' to rob us in plain daylight.
15
That guy's name tag clearly isn't correct.
It should read:
Not Hon. Pruitt
There, I fixed it.
8
Pruitt, under an ethics cloud like nearly everyone in the Trump administration, may be the next guy to get the axe. But it's getting a lot tougher to call, I wouldn't have predicted Omarosa Manigault's hasty and undignified departure, or Steve Bannon suddenly becoming unwanted by just about everyone.
If people aren't putting together big betting pools on who's going to get fired or indicted next out of the White House, they should be. It's even more frenetic a total collapse then at the end of Nixon's term. But craziest of all, people have been crashing and burning out of this administration since the second week of it or so.
5
Will some brave committee member please ask Pruitt what is so top secret about the EPA that he needs that phone booth? To us tax payers it looks concealment of self-dealing.
13
Is it a requirement that cabinet secretaries be grifters?
18
Under Trump, absolutely.
4
I've seen far too many of these Congressional "grillings" over the years to be hopeful that the miscreant of the moment, in this case the utterly despicable Scott Pruitt, will ultimately get the outcome he deserves — a quick boot in the behind out the door, somewhere far away from the corridors of power.
In these staged farces, interrogating senators play to the cameras, expressing their outrage — outrage! — at the conduct of the man (or woman) before them — someone who fiercely denies wrongdoing of any kind and is equally outraged that his/her integrity is being questioned and who, at key moments, is suddenly plagued by baffling bouts of amnesia and can't recall his/her most consequential encounters or actions.
Forget the "grilling."
I won't be satisfied until Pruitt is removed from office and flies back to Oklahoma, we hope not at taxpayer's expense.
10
I would rather make him hitchhike back home, but no self-respecting American would pick him up.
3
Scott Pruitt is the most corrupt federal government official since the targets of the Teapot Dome scandal. Unfortunately, his personal corruption bleeds into his toxic approach to gut environmental protections. He should be the most hated man in the administration: his decisions will harm public health and the environment all of us for many generations. The combination of personal greed and pandering to the very worst interests of polluters of every type and size is a unique national disaster.
8
A disaster, true, and you have endeared yourself to my family with your comparison to Teapot Dome, where we like to spend our summer vacations. But as to "unique"? Pruitt has lots of company.
1
Here he comes, Mr. Pruitt. If you say you are as innocent as the morning dew, you have to prove it Mr. Pruitt. That ain't gonna happen, going by his presumptuous and Machiavellian methods of functioning. His hubris has become rather obnoxiously palpable, and yet, Trump keeps declaring, Pruitt's performance has been quite stellar. Assuming he is doing a sterling job, it does not justify his high-handed behavior, which seems quite a bit ham-handed, to say the least.
One fondly hopes somebody in the committee grills him, puts him in a tight corner, and bring out his supercilious nonsense in ordering a private phone booth, with a USD 43, 000 price tag, among other acts. How can he sleep at night peacefully, knowing fully well he has been squandering the hard-earned tax payers' money. His penchant for pricey things, and the lust for luxury are rapidly approaching the Rubicon, and has also become something of a Gordian knot. Or so it seems.
At his rate, the only solution, after the hearing, ought to be his flat-out dismissal. He needs lessons on humility and civility, but that might be asking for too much, given his bumptious behavior like his boss.
5
Let's not kid ourselves. Should Pruitt resign, his replacement will be just as bad for the EPA, if not worse.
2
Let's not kid ourselves, until Trump resigns we will see more of the same.
3
Pruitt is the poster boy for Republican motivations of greed, opportunism, cynicism, and destruction of the greater good.
Republicans are not in the least upset with what he is actually doing - attempting to dismantle the agency he 'directs' - they are annoyed that he is getting bad publicity and soiling their brand image.
Meanwhile, Trump's poll numbers with Republicans increase with each new revelation of his corruption. That reveals true Republican values. The barbarians are not just at the gate, they have taken over the castle.
11
Time for a purge. This garbage needs to be thrown out, not recycled.
2
The Trump / Putin Dream Team. Deconstructing the American government from the inside out to make the world safe for oligarchy.
11
"Representative Joe Barton of Texas, who has long denied the overwhelming evidence of human effects on climate change, offered sympathy: 'Mr. Pruitt, you’re not the first victim of Washington politics.' As to Mr. Pruitt’s penchant for first-class travel, he said, 'You’ve been attacked for flying first class. Was that illegal? It may look bad, but it’s not illegal.'"
Stuff like this is what's ultimately going to cost Republicans the House. Every Democrat running for office in the fall has the playbook written for them: corruption, the Republican Tax Plan, health care.
13
So, in just this one morning we have the following "Breaking News:" 1) Trump's reckless nominee of Dr. Ronny Jackson for head of the VA withdraws his name for this position because of discovered ethical problems; 2) Scott Pruitt is being questioned over "ethical infractions" in his role as head of the EPA; 3)Trump's personal lawyer will invoke the Fifth Amendment in a lawsuit regarding his admitted payment to porn star Stormy Daniels to silence her story about an affair with the president; 4)Trump called in to Fox News with a hysterical rant about the injustice of all of these questions about the people in his circle. Pruitt is just one of many. The pattern of this administration's corruption and abuse of the American people could not be clearer or more alarming--in just one morning.
14
Can it even be possible that in Pruitt we have an administration official who is more ethically challenged than the president? Apparently, so.
8
As Trump has indicated many times, his cabinet is an extension of him. Anybody who thinks for themselves is out in due course.
2
From one perspective, this makes sense. Everything he does or shows is binary, and since Pruitt is so bad, Trump thinks that he will look better beside him when he fires him. He places himself along side whomever can be considered heroes (like wounded vets, military, Macron) for 'selfies" which he thinks make him look better.
His whole life in a reality show - smoke and mirrors, lies and denials. No credibility, no substance, no intelligence, no honesty and NO COMPETENCE.
When we get rid of trump, we get rid of the rest of his trash too.
1
When Sarah Huckabee says, " The investigations are going on ", it really means that Scott Pruitt is guilty and a cover-up is planned. If the ethical violations are beyond any rescue, Sarah Huckabee will report, poker-faced that the allegations are 'perhaps' true and the President thinks he should be fired.And there will be a Presidential tweet saying that allegations, although false is interfering with the job as chief of EPA. But Pruitt is a fine man, a truly great man.
2
This is embarrassing. Are there any Republicans who aren't in the pocket of fossil fuel companies?
11
Remember, ladies and gentlemen, republican senators are paid to let The Con Don do whatever he wants to try to destroy OUR government structures, regulations and legal systems. Does anyone really believe they will prevent this crook from sitting in the chair that will allow him to destroy OUR EPA?
40
Watching live stream just the short time I did shows why we are in the mess we are. Republicans have the oil and coal who of course don't want any regulations and the're championing the cause. While democrats try to protect us from polluters. And Pruitt doesn't know anything about crooked workers he appointed. And his buddies he constantly throws money, positions their way. Corruption at its worse. My family lived and had acreage near a Superfund site. Thankfully it was taken care of decades ago under another administration. You see, we were not affiliated with a political appointee. I can only imagine what would have happened under Pruitts' friends work.
13
Nothing will happen - nothing - until the Democrats take over the majority of the House and assume Chairs of the various committees. Until then, it is political theater, a sham.
Republicans will not hold Pruitt - or any other Cabinet member - to account. The GOP has been corrupted by the Trump Presidency, and Republicans do not have the political courage nor the political will to hold hearings where truth and ethics play a crucial role.
16
I listened to the hearing today and almost every Republican heaped praise on Pruitt for his dedication in destroying our defenses against the evils of industrial pollution. Being unethical is who he is, and to be a good Republican, ethics does not count.
2
He shows so much disrespect to the process by not answering any questions. These inquiries show how little people in power care. What a disgusting mockery of America's institutions.
33
Can we have confirmation of "death threats" and their seriousness against Scott Pruitt from any of the agencies involved? Has anyone been arrested? Is anyone under surveillance because of these supposed death threats?
59
Personally I find it fascinating that only people who fly Coach pose a danger to society.
14
Trump and his best people so disgust me that I can no longer summon the energy to articulate commentary. Scott Pruitt is not just another Republican crook, he is a traitor to our country as he leaves his trail of corruption.
35
I'd like to see a civil lawsuit brought against him personally by the children of America for his personal attempts to ruin their future health. He's a short sighted greedy little man.
23
Scott Pruitt denies the role of human activities in climate change. I deny the role of intelligence in the working of Scott's brain. On the other hand, he does have the capacity to cheat the American treasury. It shows some mental creativity. Please hold a job for him at Enron when he is tossed from the EPA.
6
I'm available. I have no experience in environmental protection, I love riding in first class, for a price I can reduce regulations and roll back standards to 1940's. I don't need a personal phone booth but maybe a personal elevator so I don't need to be elbow-to-elbow with more qualified staff. Bottled water is a must because that tap stuff is polluted with gunk, ooooooh
Typical of both Dems and Reps under this administration. Shame on all of you for not bringing better moral and ethical standards to Washington.
5
Pruitt is an absolutly sick joke as head of the EPA. He seems to have no scruples whatsoever. In any other administration he never would have got the EPA job.
9
I know him well, from the Oklahoma days. Look in the Dictionary under
" sleaze ". You'll find HIS picture. Seriously.
30
Pruitt is a real winner. I think that he and his family should drink some of the polluted water that he is allowing to be created with his loosening of EPA regulations. The P in EPA = Protection!!! He is not a protector, he is a polluter. Good riddance. I hope that Trumps get rid of him, but that's hoping a bit too much.
7
Trump will dump him from the EPA and put him in charge of the VA.
2
Go for the jugular...
7
Get Pruitt out of our Government. NOW!
11
It will be interesting to see if Republican lawmakers put the interests of their constituents first. No matter your environmental philosophy, Pruitt's abuse of taxpayers' dollars means he should go. Tolerating this behaviour, or only providing a verbal rebuke and then letting him continue, should be interpreted as a complete disregard for ethics in office and remembered when it is our turn to vote.
310
Well, since their constituencies seem to be rich white men, I thing the Republicans are already there.
1
Alas, the arrogance displayed by Pruitt is simply a bit more open than that displayed by the rest of the Distractor-in-Chief's appointments.
He differs not in kind, but only in degree from the others.
1
Republicans putting constituent interest first? Inconceivable!
1
Undisclosed personal emails?! Lock him up!
12
I am listening to the hearing and I just cannot believe that they are some people actually congratulating him for "his great job" and then when they mentioned what he is "doing", they are only talking about the great things he is doing for CORPORATIONS!!! They don't even mention the people. EPA must work for the people not corporations.. How twisted these politicians are.. It is sad and disgusting. They have no heart whatsoever... These Republicans need to go because they are doing way to much harm to the people and our world.
But I am glad that some of the Committee are actually pointing out all the bad things he is doing and he has done, because the list is long.. Kudos to those actually tell him how bad he is and how his work is actually killing people or helping to kill people with his careless work and his love for his buddies in the Corporate world. Can't wait for Pruitt to go but for what it seems a lot of the politicians actually like him..
12
Pruitt has made a ludicrous farce of the EPA. He is toxic waste himself. Let Congress do what it must and dispose of him properly.
10
Joe Barton (R-Texas) can not be any more embarrassing.
17
Give him a bit of time...he will do so.
4
Especially to Texans.
1
Let the current republican administration down as the most corrupt America has ever seen.
Then, let us heal and learn from this.
And never, again, elect a reality tv show host with no moral compass to one of the most important, valued positions in our land.
And vote out all of those in congress who sit back and simply watch. They are complicit.
VOTE THEM OUT in 2018
10
Pruitt secured a $2 million dollar loan when he was making $38,000 per year in Oklahoma. I wonder how that happened???
16
Pruitt is the epitomy of corruption staining this entire administration and is more blatant in his self-dealing than even Trump. Mulvaney comes a close second with his candid admission that lobbyists who paid to play could buy his vote in Congress, and those who didn't pay couldn't get is attention. The Washington swamp these creatures have befouled not only needs to be drained but fumigated.
9
It's not his fault. His employees made him build the "cone of silence" in his office. They also "made" him fly first class. Poor Scott -- such a fragile snowflake that his workers bullied him.
Congress should get him away from all those mean bullies at the EPA.
13
The fish rots from the head down. Pruitt is somewhere near the tail apparently. If only this administration HAD any ethics or knew why they are important, they would kick Pruitt out without more costs to the American taxpayer.
How about we sue Trump & Friends for the huge waste of money, time and resources expended to fix the problems they have created by nominating people that are clearly unfit for service.
6
Who’s going to hold Pruitt responsible for poisoning our grandkids?
And then who’s going to hold the people responsible that allowed Pruitt to reign in the first place?
6
First, no surprise that one grifter hires another. Is there anyone at all in this phony administration that isn't a grifter? Or worse? Second, Pruitt is doing just fine for trump: he's destroying the EPA. I just hope all those wealthy coal miners, millionaire small farmers in the Midwest and wealthy factory workers will enjoy living with massive pollution. They bought so now they own it.
4
Please just fire him and be done with it. Enough with the Marie Antoinette's of the Trump administration. If they want cake - let them open their own wallets and pay for it.
6
Just saw Congressman Barton praise Pruitt in dismantling President Obama’s “radical clean air policies”...
The Republicans and the administration’s apologists are now reduced to caricatures spouting sound bites that poll well with their voters and the self-reinforcing loop of drivel that constitutes news on right wing media.
So, according to the “gentleman” from Texas: clean air is now “radical”??!
9
We all know Pruitt is the Secretary of Pollution and has Trump's full endorsement to destroy the EPA as well as our air and water for the benefit of profits for polluters. What will Congress do about that? Nothing. The GOP long ago abrogated their responsibility to the American people. It appears that part of Trump's idea of what would make America great again is returning to the halcyon days of dirty air and foul water. What a lowlife.
6
Pruitt is just one more person who doesn't get it. He's a low-life yet look at how much of our money he has wasted with beefed up security details for misconceived security threats to himself.
I'm beginning to doubt that Trump is capable of choosing the best to serve us. So far the only good people in the cabinet meeting room are those who clean up the room after Trump and his toadies leave it.
1
Another spectacular failure who should be promptly removed from this critical office.
6
Sure, but we all know Pruitt's replacement will be just another spectacular failure.
1
Maybe the worst Cabinet official ever (although Ms. DeVos is right up there).
Let's destroy the EPA and save the tax money, while letting corporations increase pollution and their profits. But of course Mr. Trump wants a budget " ... that fully funds our great military." A military that already costs more than the next half dozen countries combined. The model seems to be North Korea, which is No. 1 in percentage of GDP spent on the military. And so ... "North Korea is one of the most miserable places on earth. 'The standard of living has deteriorated to extreme levels of deprivation in which the right to food security, health and other minimum needs for human survival are denied' according to a recent report by the Korea Institute for National Unification, a research group based in Seoul." I'm guessing the standard of living in Mar-A-Lago isn't so bad.
4
After reading so many horrifying articles about the destruction of the EPA and Pruitt's lavish lifestyle, it comes as some relief that, at least, the sins of the last year and half may be exposed in today's hearing. But I know better than to expect big change.
2
The amateur theatrics continue. Until the Trump is removed- by the 25th Amendment, by impeachment, by death, or by the voters in 2020, politicians like Pruitt will continue to dominate the news and do what may be irreversible damages.
3
Any Republican that supports Scott Pruitt should be embarrassed and voted out of office. He is defrauding taxpayers and needs to be fired.
12
Ethical cloud? That’s not a cloud. It’s a long, dark night in America.
10
If you or I took a personal trip on our employer's dime, we would be fired at the least and probably prosecuted. I don't agree with Pruitt's handling of our EPA but it is his total lack of integrity that makes him unfit for his position.
Congress needs to decide whether we are a nation of ethics before we have none left.
4
Yes I agree that Pruitt is a bum but how do we allow him to gut the EPA so dirty businesses can ruin our environment to make more profit and at the same time business cane steal our revenue in the biggest Tax Scam I have ever seen.
"The rich get richer and the poor get poorer."
Congress? Is anybody there? Anybody?
4
I don't see what the complaining is all about. Pruitt was living up to the moral standards Trump expects from all his appointments.
6
No words to describe this man or his policies. Whatever Scott says today, remember the buck stops at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and both have to be held to account. Let's see if and how the GOP Administration steps up, or not. How these folks can face their grandchildren is beyond me. Reprehensible.
Pruitt is just a criminal. He does not belong to EPA but to jail. He is also the cruelest man of destroying the environment for us and for the future generation. The word ETHICS is unknown to him. Where is Rep.Gowdy ? He was hyperactive against Hillary. Where is the ethics of the Republican Senate?
4
It has gotten to the point that using "Republican" and "Ethics" in the same sentence is a joke.
1
Character always comes shining right on thru. Well, maybe not shining in this instance, but it's definitely coming thru. In fact, I don't think there's any barrier known to man that could stop it. Honestly, a Level A Hazmat suit wouldn't stop the stink that poor EPA Directory Scotty is going to drag into this hearing room, bless his heart. We'll just have to watch the toxic spill unfold on TV, and give our thoughts and prayers to poor Scotty. Thoughts and prayers, Scotty, thoughts and prayers, let's hope the decontamination station works for the legislators, because they're gonna need it. Bad.
1
Pruitt: a bought and paid for oil and gas attorney that's no better than a tobacco attorney from 10 years ago. For the long term health of our environment and society, much worse.
This guy has made millions of dollars fighting common sense health laws on behalf of fly by night fracking and petroleum companies.
Wonder what he does all day sitting in his taxpayer funded sound proof closet? Why would a DEP official need a sound proof room in the first place?
To continue lining his pockets, and colluding with outside lobbyists, I would think.
7
I just heard Congressman Greg Walden of the 2nd District of Oregon praise Scott Pruitt for his transparency.
You can't make that stuff up.
5
Like so many of Trump[s appointees, Pruitt is an anathema to the mission of the agency he heads and a genuine danger to public health. He behavior is grossly unethical, likely crossing over into criminal. Pruitt is an anathema to the very idea of good governance, as is the man who appointed him. They are stains on our democracy. This administration and the GOP have sunk so low there seems to no longer to be any standard of decency.
1
Have Pruitt drink water from polluted rivers and lakes. Have Pruitt breathe air from polluted climates. Have Pruitt eat produce from spoiled lands. Lastly, rescind the raises he gave to special staff members as he is shown the door out of this damaged administration.
7
A drained swamp is such a pleasure, no?
1
Sounds like Mr. Pruitt thinks of himself some sort of superhero in a comic book - but he is more like an evil villain - what fodder for the writers of comics and comedy. Very tragic that it is us that are the victims - as Mr. Macron said, “There is no Planet B” -
In the meantime we have clowns just like him in this administration who are doing their best to rob us, using tax money, and tear up the place - like a bunch of teenagers when the parents are out of town and they are under the care of a drunk uncle.
Save us all.
2
$600/month for a DC living space.
Sounds like about a $2,000 - 3,000/month bribe to me
Isn't it a felony to bribe a federal official?
4
Let's hope the Congressional panels don't do a Zuckerburg and let Pruitt off easy. The environment Pruitt seeks to protect is the business interests of those who put greed and profit above the well being of the planet and the people. Pruitt must go.
287
On the other hand - the very outrageousness of his behavior is helping to highlight his brutal environmental policies. Any competent GOP apparatchik could simply go down the list of every rule that Obama put in place to protect the environment - and then rescind it - as Pruitt is doing. But I seriously doubt that any one else would generate the ire and dismay that this arrogant demon creates.
1
Zuckerberg's business is way beyond the comprehension of most of them.
But greed, graft, manipulation, corruption .... they understand the vices of the Pruitts in our world very well. The question is, do they object to them?
1
Oh the Trump-Republican "I'm not a Scientists but look at this snow-ball=NO Global Warming"- con-artists are doing the same Zuckerberg sham already:
Guess WHO the biggest investors in Facebook privatized political fake news psyops-leading surveillance-economy as well as in fossil fuel industries and Big Pharma's Opioids- and in gun-stocks are?
Now guess from WHOM from all the above the corrupt republican Trump-Mafia dictating both Houses received their fat campaign contributions, even in forms of off-shored stored dark-money and Real Estates for cheaps? BINGO! Man, see you U.S. Americans are for real such "Geniuses"
Now IF you were actually "intelligent" enough evolved yet, as you all claim so arrogantly, to investigate what I said above, you all might yet have a chance of surviving immanently imminent Anthropogenic Accelerating Climate change, that is.
Best,
A.E.
Grand Old Pruitt 2018
GOP 2018
November 6 2018, America.
Register early to vote, vote and donate $5 or $10 to democracy.
https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/common-cause?source=website
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/votedotorg?refcode=website-to...
America never for an Environmental Pollution Agency or the wretched, corrupt, Oil and Gas spokesperson who is running that agency.
Resist the Trumpian madness and assault on American values !
94
I can only think that others around the world and not only in the US will follow Pruitt's testimony before Congress, hoping all the while that somehow he will inevitably for one of a slew of reasons be shown the door. Scott Pruitt's actions during the short time he has held an administrative position in WA have negatively impacted the future of generations around the world. If he remains in office, the damage will be exponentially greater. I have hoped for him to slink away much, much more than Trump, if such a thought is possible.
10
The problem is, the guy next in line has the same exact agenda....dismantle, deplete and destroy.
1
"According to a talking points memo reviewed by The New York Times, his strategy appears to be to place the blame for his activities on his staff."
What a fine character! From everything I've read, this man is as dictatorial as his boss--in other words, nothing escapes him and nothing gets done without his signature.
From a heightened sense of entitlement (Chris Matthews called him 'Nero racing around Washington in his special cart) and high tastes to his paranoia and arrogance, this man doesn't belong as Director of EPA or indeed any post in government.
In bed with lobbyists, doing the work of his corporate sponsors, and totally nontransparent, this man now dares to blame others for his woes?
Give me a break!
107
Blaming the staff is a great way to build moral, team work, and further the env. protection mission of the agency
(sarcasm aside, its a great way to ensure more leaks than the titantic)
2
Don't hold your breath on any adverse consequences for Pruitt. He seems to represent modern day GOP values. If the planet is still considered salvageable by the next election, then one hopes a different administration's vision can help reverse or stop this madness. Meanwhile the personal greed and destruction of the planet will continue.
16
Hat trick of disgrace: Ronny, Cohen and Pruitt.
16
Don't forget Trump.
2
Pruitt's personal ethics and his demands of entitlement are sad, and typical of most of Trump's appointees. But his activity, under the encouragement of his boss, D.J. Trump, in dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency and allowing for continued poisoning of the air land and water are the real criminal acts for which he should be immediately removed as the head of an agency that he was/is Hell-bent on destroying. May his children and their children curse his name for the pollution that they will have to endure.
57
If there ever was a spark of truth to the absurd idea that Trump really didn't want the presidency, his appointments to the EPA would be it. It says: Democrats, do you actually care about anything enough to fight for it? Because here is the most outrageous act of traitorism--take me down!
Pruitt is the epitome of a bully kicking sand in a child's face. His second in command is of the same cloth.
20
Pruitt might consider bringing and testifying from within his soundproof phone booth. That would be a hilarious sight.
8
It seems like everyone associated with Trump has some kind of unethical cloud hanging over him.
26
Or her.
1
Other than literally worshipping Trump, I think unethical behavior is one of Trump's requirements of people.
2
What a pity Al Franken is not there to grill this grifter.
350
Yeah, thanks to K.Gillibrand of NY and K.Harris of CA, 2 Senators who railroaded a much better legislator than themselves out of the senate.
8
or ted kennedy
3
Yes, thank goodness he was sacrificed on the altar of purity. Because we are democrats we slit our own wrists as some sort of genetic predisposition.
3
There seems to be a bizarre competition as to who could be the worst cabinet secretary (ever). And the competition WAS stiff: Betsy DeVos: a Secretary of Education who does not believe in public education and is striving to give away our tax dollars to religious schools. Ryan Zinke: a Secretary of the Interior busy giving away public lands to further despoil our environment. Wilbur Ross: a Secretary of Commerce who thinks trade barriers are just dandy. Rex Tillerson: a Secretary of State trying to dismantle the State Department through neglect. Mick Mulvaney: Director the Office of Management and Budget (and erstwhile head of CFBP) a former budget hawk who is now presiding over the biggest explosion of deficit spending in U.S. history and who has no intention of doing his alleged job of protecting consumers from the hacks of big banks. Kirjstren Nielsen: Secretary of Homeland Security who feigned ignorance that Norway was mostly white and who fails to realize that the greatest threat to Homeland Security are single white males with AR15s. But not one of them can beat our head of the Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt who not only is corrupt but is striving to make the EPA a data-free zone (because he hates scientific truths that may cost him his ill-gotten fortune). Let's thank Donald Trump and our sycophantic Republican Senators for putting these swamp creatures in positions of authority and setting the bar so low for future members of the cabinet.
276
Don't forget Wilbur Ross' recent open invitation to bribery to banking officials...if you give to me I may talk with you; if you don't, I won't. He also wants to throttle the CPB--after all, it is so inconvenient for the banking sector.
Once Pruitt is gone, it think the battle for worst will be between Zinke and Ross.
2
Well-said, succinct, and true. You captured all the bad guys in one paragraph. Your comment spotlights this absurd puppet show with 45 pulling the strings and, later, doling out the pardons. This administration is a textbook lesson on how not to govern.
Just another day for the Grifters in office
$3 million for security?
a $45K secure phone booth?
I guess this is what you get when you put an oil lobbyist in charge of the EPA
19
Pruitt is responsible for poisoning two environments, the natural one and the social one.
15
I don't understand how this is happening. Maybe a Federal employee can clue me in? When I worked in state government, every approval for every little thing came down to the budget.
There were protocols for expense approvals, and travel was especially scrutinized --- any amount over set allowances had to be pre-approved.
I can understand Pruitt ordering up anything he wants, because he's an entitled jerk -- but I'd like to know, who is SIGNING OFF off on this? What's up EPA, where is your budget chief or controller?
16
The amount of money and gifts he has gotten from companies who have profited from him gutting the EPA makes the theft of taxpayer money look trivial. At the end of the day it all comes clean in the wash. Science.
Since when is theft an ethics violation? In the world I live in it's a crime.
345
If you live in the US it is the way we behave except we cover it up. It's a narcissistic society you know.
I'd call it more of a criminal cloud, rather than an ethical cloud. Most of us have ethics. He does not.
150
Tune in right now and listen to bald faced lies!
2
Maybe Scott will testify that Ben Carson's wife was in charge of all the lavish spending and he didn't know. After all, he was way too busy continuing to accept bribes from the companies he supposedly regulates, just like he did before becoming head of the EPA. Ooops. Strike that.
27
Trump, Pruitt, and Zinke are from the same cloth. The Republican party lost its moral, ethical compass a long time ago. As long as these three follow its party line, their personal behaviors are ignored or excused. These three egomaniacal musketeers are decimating this country as they enrich themselves endlessly.
48
Pay to Play Pruitt needs to be shown the door. We have all long known exactly why Pruitt was put in charge of the EPA. To destroy it completely!!! Think about how many decades we are going backwards in time, just so Pruitt and his cronies can dump their waste in our waters, pollute our air, and destroy the future of America's children.
28
Do these Congress leaders not breath air? Not drink.water? Not enjoy the public lands of such staggering beauty that people.from around the planet come to visit them? It would seem that they do not, to see the eagerness with which they are jockying to pollute the air and water, and mine the parks and public lands, set aside in trust for their descendents.
Once avain the 45 administration has demonstrsted.it's utter.contempt.for our country. Pruitt is a disgrace, as is his "boss", and both deserve even more stringent scrutiny. Perhaps Congress is FINALLY waking from it's coma and will set about FIXING what they have allowed or encouraged to be broken in our country.
As.President Macron reminded us yesterday--- there is NO Planet B.
71
I find it shocking how little coverage there was of Macron's address to Congress. All Americans seem to care about is the supposed bromance (I bet Macron is secretly repulsed but then, he did take acting classes) and what their wives wear. We are watching the abdication of American leadership around the world; I cheer for Macron to fill the void. At least someone will stand up for democracies, even though it won't be coming from the US any longer.
1
I'm a retired Federal Employee, I worked in the DOD for 32 years, and Scott Pruitt is one of the sleaziest, if not THE Sleaziest cabinet heads of any agency that I can remember.
There is not way someone as corrupt, and abusing the citizens tax dollars should ever be in charge of any government agency, let alone ever work in the Federal Government; Scott Pruitt should be fired immediately and than an investigation should begin to see if Pruitt should be prosecuted for any improprieties or illegal gains in short tenor in office.
198
Sleaze is apparently a condition requisite for a slot on Trump's "Swamp Survivor"
3
As a current DOD employee, the Trumpian push here is to "loosen the FAR rules" to streamline acquisition and develop non-beneficial P3s. You know what that means? Lockeed Martin is sick of competitive bidding. We're trying to keep the "big thinkers" at bay and not let Trumpian policies infiltrate our ranks. Wish us luck.
2
He's under investigation. Jackson just pulled out of the VA race. What an amazing array of hucksters, thieves and liars this administration has pulled together to fleece America while enriching themselves. I'm amazed Bernie Madoff hasn't been nominated for a position by trump.
83
Someone please make Scott Pruitt go away. He's the worst of the worst in the vast Republican swamp.
12
Only fitting that Trump's pick for EPA is quickly turning the "environment" in America into a swamp.
13
How did Pruitt get so far in his career, rising all the way up to a cabinet position? His problems with ethics are not “lapses” in that they have been a constant throughout his professional life. How can anyone so averse to proper behavior get so far? I wonder if there is an analogy to sexual harassment. It’s easier for the people around to look the other way instead of calling out the bad behavior. I don’t know. But it’s frustrating to see someone persistent in bad judgement rising so high in his profession of choice. Maybe that’s why he chose this profession.
404
Great questions. As an Oklahoman, I can tell you the answer: "Oklahoma." I rest my case.
5
He's a Republican, he's from Oklahoma and he is owned by the oil companies and the Koch brothers. He never should have left that state because there are no ethics in government there, none. Lobbyists run the state. He had no enemies and was under no scrutiny.
But greedy blind ambition comes with a price in DC. A price he's about to pay.
He'll be gone by Saturday night.
6
It's naive to ask how an unethical person can rise high in his "profession of choice". It's apparent that scores of successful people have no morals whatsoever. You could change one word in your comment and it would be a perfect fit: "Pruitt" is "Trump".
What is awful about Pruitt (Trump et al), is that he is not only not qualified for his position, he is actively hostile to the mission of the EPA. Kind of like the entire executive branch right now - All hostile to and destroying the very things they are supposed to take care of.
7
Pruitt is the most corrupt actor on this corrupt political stage. I really don't have any printable adjectives to describe Pruitt.
12
Tump during his campaign promised to drain the swamp. With Pruitt's appointment as EPA administrator Tump has inserted another grifter in Washington.
Many appointments by Tump to the executive branch are individuals that have taken the opportunity to enrich themselves or abuse the system and they do not seem to believe in public service. Ivanka and Jared Kushner and dozens of others including Tump himself have no ethics.
6
This person is just one clog in the wheel of many more. To sum it up, and without exception this is the most corrupt administration in the history of the U.S. and we the people are suffering. The swamp has overflowed and now it's a cesspool.
8
Dear Democrat Representatives
I expect your usual soft shoe dance around Mr. Pruitt during the hearings ensuring to make fools of yourselves and contributing to this ongoing nightmare the rest of us are going through.
To the voters out there who are disgusted with the performance of the party (literally), it's time to take bold action and vote toss the stale bread.
Vote!
4
Questions, Scott:
how does flying first class assure that you will not encounter criticism from other passengers? Don't those people walk past you while boarding? Don't richer passengers also say rude things? (Like Trump does.)
Is this really about your shy, sensitive nature, or is it about comfy big seats, quick drinks, better food, and the lifestyle you wish you deserved? For 3 or 4 times the cost to taxpayers, right?
If there is an insult here, Scott, it is that you are an insult to American governance.
154
Just based on undisputed information already in the public domain (scammy real estate deals in OK, quid pro quo below the radar 'regulatory relationships' with industry/campaign donors, retaliatory discharge of civil servants, obfuscation of tax dollar spending, this guys is way beyond "unethical" (as are most of The Don's direct reports) . He should be wearing an orange jumpsuit.
Forget Congressional inquiry, when is the criminal investigation going to start ?
18
I just feel hopelessness when I think of our poor planet.
12
That's what they want you to feel, of course.
Mr. Pruitt is the very model of open governance compared to the Obama administration's EPA Chied Jackson who made up a fake name of Richard Windsor for her email.
So far, Mr. Trump's choices have been far more open and honest people hat the political hacks that Mr. Obama preferred.
You obviously haven't read the NY Times article over the weekend about Pruitt about his time in Oklahoma as well as kept up on all of the problems he has caused himself during his time as EPA head. Perhaps read before coming to conclusions about something you are not well versed in. (But perhaps you are a Russian bot who is told what to say -- conclusions that cast Trump in a good light or Dems in a bad light?.)
13
He's not "under an ethical cloud". What do you call people that repeatedly break the law? The phone booth, the travel, the security costs, the new Suburban, the retrofitting of the Shburban - that stuff was ILLEGAL under federal law. The guy is a repeat offender. He belongs in front of a judge, not a Congress that will let him off the hook because he's a fellow Republican!
And he's not the only criminal in the Trump cabinet. Ben Carson BROKE THE LAW, absolutely no consequences. And what about the career public servants demoted or fired for trying to bring these crimes to light?
"Under an ethics cloud". Sheesh!
91
An association with Donald Trump is a fatal virus to a persons reputation. The good, the bad, the terrible, the foolish, the moral and the immorral will all have their names added to the list.
6
One can only hope...
2
Maybe while they’re at it, they could investigate him about his weaponizing the EPA into a coal-belching, regulation destroying Golem as well...?
12
Another of Trump's "Best People".
What a pathetic joke this administration is. More like some half-rate mob figures with a taste for wasting the public's money on themselves.
8
Mr. Pruitt is under a cloud of methane gas! A cloud of his own making. It's difficult to change your colors - he was just as "dirty" while serving in Oklahoma. As AG he buried an audit of the Tar Creek EPA Supersite project. It stinks of payola, graft, and possibly a little kickback activity...but is about to see the light of day, we hope. And I'm suspecting that Mr. Pruitt and friends will not look good in the light of day! Again!
7
It is sad that the lack of ethical behavior is the reason Pruitt may have to go rather than his undermining the very purpose of the EPA.
789
Working to undermine the purpose of the cabinet you have been chosen to lead is a job requirement for working in the Trump Administration. Therefore we have to go after Pruitt's lack of ethical behavior which is so extreme even the corrupt GOP has to pretend to disagree with it. Doubtless Pruitt's replacement will have the same "mission" regarding the EPA.
3
His lack of ethics, which is directly related to his dismantling of epa, is precisely the reason he will not "have to go".
2
Al Capone, Mafioso captain and murderer, had go for income taxes.
Don't make the perfect the enemy of the good, jrj.
5
Pruitt goes before Congress. If there is ever a time for Republicans to stand up and show some integrity, this would be it. If the GOP retains any semblance of putting the country first, they have ample cover to denounce Pruitt and call for his resignation. If examples of his unauthorized spending, coziness to lobbyists, and overwhelming pomposity are not sufficient reasons, can we at least expect Republicans in Congress to show minimal concern for the environment?
74
Ridiculous. Repubs made their Faustian bargain with Trump and his mini me. There is the collusion.
4
Past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior Thus the GOP in office will likely do absolutely nothing, not even a slap on the wrist to this thieving crook passing himself off as a human being.
That's why we all vote in November and throw out every single member of the GOP even the dog catchers
This political party is toast.
Anyone supportig them or working for them or running on their line is suspect.
GOP RIP
"If there is ever a time for Republicans to stand up and show some integrity, this would be it."
You are, of course kidding ? They just approved Pompeo as SoS a few minutes ago.
4
There has to be a balance when it comes to regulations issued by the EPA. But to appoint someone who appears to be completely devoid of an ethical code of conduct is unbelievable. He is the second cabinet official who thinks they are a king and should be afforded a lifestyle that befits a king. They are public servants and should care about how they conduct their responsibilities. This gentleman has to go and have someone in charge who understand and appreciates the mission of the EPA.
19
And nothing will come out of this hearing, unless Democrats are tough and persistent with their questioning. Other than Senator Elizabeth Warren, our Congressional Democrats tend to be weak and inarticulate in these hearings.
55
So true so true...watching a sr. Dem senator ask sessions yesterday about recusal was painful. He basically let him off hook with stupid guffaw. And sessions is equally inarticulate. They both sounded somewhat senile, scary tomthing these guys in charge.
1
Apparently, you haven't been listening to the same hearings I've listened to throughout this administration. Blumenthal, Harris, Wyden, Hirono, Warner, King, Whitehouse and many others have asked pointed revealing questions despite limits imposed by the Republican leaders. Warren is one of many.
1
Trump’s support of Pruitt once again demonstrates his abyssmal lack of understanding of science. If the water and air are clean now it is down to what has been done in previous years not to the man currently holding the office. It also points out the only thing that matters to Trump, money.
141
Yes, the church of science. The science that prevents fracking in NY State, where the Marcellus and Utica that produce prolific hydrocarbons are shut down. The science that has turned the EPA into a hydra involved in basically all use of land. The science that sets the baseline for "clean water" at ahistoric levels that are not even what the bodies of water had before human activity in numerous cases.
Priests of this church are often loquacious members of the "Union of Concerned Scientists," or commentators in publications with no science backgrounds, let alone real skeptical, empirical thinking.
Pruitt, Trump, money = BAD. This dogma was so subtle before. But now it is "Science." The commenters here almost all agree, just like the "scientists" that all agree on other such things. That's not science at all, it's groupthink.
18
If you think science is like religion, then you understand neither.
37
Speaking of science, I live above the Utica shale. Are you aware that in Oklahoma, earthquakes increased 40-fold from 2008-2013? FORTY. Directly connected to fracking. No thanks.
For some of us this isn't a theoretical discussion. I'd rather not have the earth open up beneath my home. Just like Pruitt, you only cite science when you agree with it.
25
Although the Times is a secular paper, an analogy to religion seems apt here:
Pope Leo X famously said in the early 16th century "Since God has given us the papacy, let us enjoy it." This exemplifies the corruption and moral decay that was rife at the time in the Catholic Church, and which eventually led to the Protestant Reformation.
It seems that our current leaders in the US have adopted a similar attitude. Trump and his appointees view the Presidency and other offices of state as a means for personal enrichment. We should be wary of what that view portends.
252
A very big blue Wave! VOTE November 6, 2018.
8
Yes, Theo, and the catholic church big boys support The Con Don and the overthrow of OUR governemnt today. They would love to return us all to the 5th/15th centuries so they can sponsor more death crusades and take back power.
Over my dead body.
1
True, but it doesn't stop there. How many senators and congresspeople get donations from the NRA, big pharma, and of course the oil,mining and forestry industries.
1
Pruitt is the chief enemy of a healthy environment and has no business running the EPA. Republicans who resent his personal enrichment while nudging along the environmental destruction are no better than he is.
When the blue wave hits, the environment will be a central issue getting people to the polls. The Republicans short-sighted and greed-driven policies should cost them, not the rest of us.
475
Scott Pruitt's corruption is staring everyone in the face, and he is not an anomaly of this administration, but the just one tentacle of the corruption and lying that has been cultivated from the person in the Oval Office.
When this is all said and done, not will Donald Trump be proven to be the most incompetent man to ever sit in the Whitehouse, he may also be the most corrupt by far.
I can't recall anyone that has ingratiated himself to government self dealing and filling his pockets more than Trump and his entire family, corruption is a family affair for Trump.
16
Should be the next "swamp alligator" to go! Simply an appointee chosen to destroy the Agency and doing a great job of it.
Is this what the voters really want?
7
Americans have short memories. The environment will only be a central issue driving people to the polls IF the Democrats are effective at reminding voters what has transpired in the last two years.
5