Zinke Insisted On Having His Christmas Party Before Being Booted

on September 29, 2017 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke walks up to deliver a speech billed as "A Vision for American Energy Dominance." at the Heritage Foundation on September 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. Zinke... WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 29: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke walks up to deliver a speech billed as "A Vision for American Energy Dominance." at the Heritage Foundation on September 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. Zinke also addressed criticism of his travel practices, after it was reported that he and his aides have taken several flights on private or military aircraft, including a charter plane that cost taxpayers more than $12,000 last June. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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The White House has been pushing Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to quit for weeks, finally telling him he had until the end of the year to leave or be fired, according to a Saturday Washington Post report. 

Zinke’s counter-request? To host his Christmas party, graced by lobbyists and conservative bigwigs, before being booted.

Per the Post, he donned a Santa hat and posed with a stuffed polar bear at the event.

The White House was reportedly concerned about the maelstrom of investigations a Democratic-majority House would bring for Zinke and wanted him out before the new term.

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