Zinke Has Deputy On Deck To Take Over If He’s Ousted Over Misconduct

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke participates in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly restored Lockkeeper's House on the National Mall October 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. Built over 1... WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke participates in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly restored Lockkeeper's House on the National Mall October 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. Built over 180 years ago and restored by the Trust for the National Mall, the Lockkeeper’s House is 'the oldest structure on the National Mall' and will now welcome Washington visitors as a gateway to the mall. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is already grooming his replacement should he step down or be ousted by scandal, Politico reported. 

Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt, a former lobbyist for the oil, gas and water industries, has been pegged to replace Zinke, who has been expected to leave the administration after the midterms even before it was reported that the Interior Department’s inspector general had referred one probe into Zinke’s conduct to the Justice Department.

“For the last month, if not longer, it has been a common reference, even from the secretary, that David needs to be ready,” a source close to the Interior Department’s senior staff told Politico. “Not anything actionable [was said], but Bernhardt could be in charge in the future and the implication was sooner rather than later.”

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Notable Replies

  1. Psssst, pass it on, David Bernhardt has dual Doctorates in Geology and Meteorology from M.I.T.

    FYI, only enemies of the people fact check.

  2. Jeez, the man seems to be a resume fluffer as well. And his grifting has a well defined history. Can’t think of a better Trump crony.

  3. This is by far the most professional and forward-thinking action by a member of the Trump mis-administration that I can remember.

    There must be some sleazy or self-serving aspect to it…

  4. No sympathy for Zinke… all I have to say is “NEXT!!!”

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