Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt says the death threats against him have extended to his family.
“The level of protection is dictated by the level of threat,” Pruitt told Bloomberg in an expansive interview released Wednesday night, answering questions about his recent request for almost a dozen more 24-hour security agents.
“The quantity and the volume — as well as the type — of threats are different. What’s really disappointing to me as it’s not just me — it’s family.”
Pruitt has an 18-member security team that is charged to guard him around the clock. It was reported earlier this week that EPA is looking to add as many as 12 new guards to the 18-member squad.
None of Pruitt’s predecessors have required such a large security force or around-the-clock protection. The estimated cost of the beefed-up squad would be about $2 million per year.
An administration official told Bloomberg that Pruitt has received threats in nearly every form of media, from Twitter posts to letters in the mail.
“Serious things take place that dictates a response,” Pruitt added.
“I seek to engage in these decisions with civility and thoughtful discussion and meaningful discussion, and it is unfortunate, I think, at times perhaps it devolves into something that is much different,” he said.
