President Trump lauded Scott Pruitt Thursday for doing “a fantastic job” in his role as Environmental Protection Agency chief, while acknowledging that he has yet to look into the series of scandals Pruitt is battling.
“I think he’s done a fantastic job. I think he’s done an incredible job. He’s been very courageous,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One after an event in West Virginia. “It hasn’t been easy, but I think he’s done a fantastic job.”
“I just left coal and energy country, they love Scott Pruitt. They feel strongly and love him,” he said. Pruitt is rolling back many of former President Barack Obama’s regulations on the coal industry as part of Trump’s “energy dominance” agenda.
Pruitt did interviews with several conservative media outlets this week as he sought to combat the onslaught of negative headlines regarding his decision to lease a condo for $50 per night from a top energy lobbyist last year and raises he reportedly approved for two top aides.
White House chief of staff John Kelly reportedly expressed immense frustration with Pruitt during a call this week, demanding that he inform the West Wing of any other potential scandals that have yet to come to light.
Asked on Thursday if he was bothered by the issues that have already emerged, Trump said he would “have to look at them.”
“I’ll make that determination. He’s a good man, he’s done a terrific job, but I’ll take a look at it,” the president said.
