EPA reports
show no evidence of credible threats against Administrator Scott Pruitt, despite claims that an “unprecedented” number of death threats justify his outsize security spending.
WASHINGTON — Confidential security assessments in the Environmental Protection Agency show no evidence of credible threats against Administrator Scott Pruitt, despite claims that an “unprecedented” number of death threats justify his outsize security spending, according to a review by Senate Democrats.
Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee wrote in a letter Tuesday that they have reviewed security assessments describing 16 purported threats against Pruitt. They include public protests, criticism of Pruitt’s policies and other activities protected by the First Amendment.
The letter from Sens. Tom Carper, D-Del., and Sheldon Whitehouse, DR.I., urged the committee’s Republican majority to begin oversight hearings into Pruitt’s unusual security precautions.
Committee Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., rebuffed that request, saying no hearing on Pruitt’s security procedures will be held. Barrasso accused Carper and Whitehouse of improperly disclosing “law enforcement sensitive information” without the approval of EPA or the Secret Service.
The Associated Press reported Friday that EPA has spent about $3 million on Pruitt’s security measures, which included flying first class and using a full-time security detail of 20 officers.
President Donald Trump defended Pruitt in a tweet Saturday night.
EPA’s inspector general is auditing Pruitt’s security spending — one of at least five ongoing probes by the agency’s watchdog into spending and ethics issues surrounding the administrator. A GOP-led House oversight committee is also investigating Pruitt’s travel spending and the administrator’s bargain-priced rental of a $50-a-night Capitol Hill condo tied to a fossil fuels lobbyist.