Trump Reportedly Angry With Interior Secretary Zinke Over Offshore Drilling Plans
President Donald Trump’s relationship with Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has reportedly soured, as the administration official opted to go “rogue” on the issue of offshore drilling in Florida.
As reported by Axios, after Zinke tweeted his intentions to take Florida out of the running for states included in the offshore drilling plans, the president wasn’t pleased.
“After talking with @FLGovScott, I am removing #Florida from the draft offshore plan,” Zinke tweeted on January 9.
After talking with @FLGovScott, I am removing #Florida from the draft offshore plan. pic.twitter.com/lZIfdCDNOR
— Secretary Ryan Zinke (@SecretaryZinke) January 9, 2018
Axios cited two sources within the White House who claim to know Trump is “angry” at the Interior Secretary, considering he did not consult or inform the president before announcing plans cancel plans in Florida.
Additionally, Zinke’s announcement could potentially place the White House in legal and PR trouble since he did not follow the proper statutes in place when making this decision. It could also lead to lawsuits against the administration from other states who have been listed on the new offshore oil drilling plans, as they could cite the Florida decision to justify a suit.
“Is it legally fatal? No, but it’s so clumsy. It’s unforced errors and creates problems that’s got him [Zinke] tied up in knots,” said one of Axios’ sources.
While Trump has temporarily had feuds with nearly every major member of his administration, he previously had what appeared to be a stable relationship with Zinke.
[image via screengrab]
