Interior Inspector General Mark Greenblatt, who was originally appointed by Trump in his first term, told CBS News he was “stunned” by his Friday night firing on January 24, 2025. Greenblatt said “It’s very bizarre” and questioned the motives, offering two …
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum was confirmed by the Senate in a 79-18 vote, signing an ethics agreement to divest from oil and gas interests within 90 days of confirmation. Despite pledging to address conflicts of interest, Burgum has a history of voting on issues related to companies with his …
The Interior Department Inspector General opened an investigation into Secretary David Bernhardt’s California water policy decisions that benefited Westlands Water District, his former lobbying client. The investigation examined whether Bernhardt violated ethics agreements by influencing new …
The Senate confirmed David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary on April 11, 2019, by a vote of 56 to 41 despite extensive conflicts of interest from his career as an oil and gas lobbyist. A Center for American Progress analysis determined Bernhardt had the dubious distinction of being the most …
Senate confirmed David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary despite him having the most conflicts of interest of any Trump Cabinet nominee - 27 former clients and employers actively lobbying the Interior Department. A former oil and gas lobbyist, Bernhardt had so many potential conflicts he literally …
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke resigned while under at least 18 federal investigations for corruption, conflicts of interest, and ethics violations. Scandals included: involvement in a Montana land deal benefiting himself and Halliburton chairman, using wildfire funds for personal travel, chartered …
Interior Secretary James Watt announces his resignation after describing a department panel as having “a black, a woman, two Jews and a cripple,” mocking affirmative action. Watt resigns within three weeks of the September comments amid bipartisan condemnation. His controversial 33-month …
President Reagan appoints James Watt, former president of Mountain States Legal Foundation (funded by Coors and oil companies), as Interior Secretary. Watt immediately opens federal lands to mining and drilling, reverses environmental protections, and staffs the department with industry executives. …