Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt has resigned from his position amid a number of ethical questions and controversies he’s faced.
President Donald Trump announced Pruitt’s resignation on Twitter on Thursday afternoon, mirroring what he has done with other top administration officials like Rex Tillerson and David Shulkin.
The president said he would be replaced with Deputy EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
“I have accepted the resignation of Scott Pruitt as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Within the Agency Scott has done an outstanding job, and I will always be thankful to him for this. The Senate confirmed Deputy at EPA, Andrew Wheeler, will…” Trump wrote on Twitter. “..on Monday assume duties as the acting Administrator of the EPA. I have no doubt that Andy will continue on with our great and lasting EPA agenda. We have made tremendous progress and the future of the EPA is very bright!”
I have accepted the resignation of Scott Pruitt as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Within the Agency Scott has done an outstanding job, and I will always be thankful to him for this. The Senate confirmed Deputy at EPA, Andrew Wheeler, will…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2018
…on Monday assume duties as the acting Administrator of the EPA. I have no doubt that Andy will continue on with our great and lasting EPA agenda. We have made tremendous progress and the future of the EPA is very bright!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2018
Pruitt has been involved in a number of controversies during his time as the head of the EPA. Democrats began calling for his resignation earlier this year.
Most recently, congressional testimony showed the former EPA administrator asked an aide to help him procure a used Trump International Hotel mattress and had another aide try and help his wife get a Chick-fil-A franchise.
The former administrator—who was denounced by critics for being a climate change denier—was also questioned about his first-class air travel, having his office install a $43,000 soundproof booth, and his connection to a $50 per night condo in Washington D.C. he rented that was linked to an energy lobbying firm.
He was also one of several Trump administration officials who have been confronted by members of the public in recent weeks.
The news of Pruitt’s resignation was met with joy and mockery on Twitter.
Doesn’t look as if Mrs. Pruitt will be getting her Chick-fil-A franchise.
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) July 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/imillhiser/status/1014960595953684481
We captured Scott Pruitt #SecondCivilWar
— Aaron (@TheSarcasmShow) July 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/jonfavs/status/1014958063588134913
Scott Pruitt jamming his pockets with EPA cafeteria mayo packets
— Simon Maloy (@SimonMaloy) July 5, 2018
Scott Pruitt definitely stealing three laptops and a fax machine as he leaves the EPA
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) July 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/cmclymer/status/1014960050333503488
scott pruitt will be replaced by his deputy, cancer
— catturd2.bsky.social (@thetomzone) July 5, 2018
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