Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Stepping Down Amid Investigation

Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke, has recently notified the White House that he intends to step down. This announcement came shortly after some federal investigation concerning his travel and political activity arose. His stepping down is just another spot for President Trump to fill in his tumultuous administration.

Investigations…

In the past two years, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s employment at the Department of the Interior has been marred by various investigations. ^[1] The Interior Department’s inspector general has done at least seven investigations that directly involved Zinke. Another, separate, independent federal investigative agency had six allegations that Zinke performed improper political activities.

And Concerns

Environmentalist groups have been shocked by some of Ryan Zinke’s actions, including when he reexamined borders of national monument as well as being a leading role in President Trumps decision to shrink the Utah Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante sites. ^[2]

One of the more serious allegations against Zinke is a land deal that Zinke made between a charitable foundation his wife owns and a property development group which is backed by David Lesar, a chairman of oilfield services provider Halliburton Co. If the project continues, it would dramatically increase the property value of Zinkes land. ^[3]

Accomplished Much

Despite all the investigation and allegations towards Ryan Zinke, some people think that he’s doing a good job. One of these men is the President of the United States, who, after being told of Zinke’s resignation, tweeted his thanks to the soon to be former Secretary of the Interior.

Secretary of the Interior @RyanZinke will be leaving the Administration at the end of the year after having served for a period of almost two years. Ryan has accomplished much during his tenure and I want to thank him for his service to our Nation…….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 15, 2018

President Trump will be announcing a new Secretary of the Interior next week.

Changes Being Made

Zinke’s departure from the Presidential Cabinet is not the first resignation President Trump has seen from someone who has been with him since the beginning of his administration. Recently there have been multiple changes in the Presidents Cabinet. President Trump has been struggling to keep up with the vacancies in his tumultuous administration. In the past week, President Trump has filled multiple vacancies, including the Chief of Staff, United Nations Ambassador, and Attorney General.