Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke snapped back at a Fox News host late Thursday after being asked about more than a dozen investigations into his use of government resources.
Zinke fumbled for words when Shannon Bream asked about criticism by the Center for Western Priorities regarding his actions in office, including 18 requested and opened investigations the organization has chronicled.
Zinke said he was “10 for 10,” then called for his accuser to be investigated as a front for the Democratic Party.
“I’ve been investigated on my socks. I have had been investigated taking jets, which I don’t, completed,” said Zinke.
“And you know what they all say? Ryan Zinke follows all the rules, all the regulations, all the procedures,” he said. “This is politically motivated. In Montana, we call it ‘BS.’ Organizations like Western Values Project that pretends to be a 501(c)3 — an advocacy group — I would like to see their books. I think everyone would like to see the books, way they’re funded. They are operatives from the Democratic Party. They are hacks. They have always been. And they need to be investigated.”
Bream moved to end the interview and said they did not have time for a question related to Christmas.
“Well, I’ll say it first. Merry Christmas. If I should be investigated by saying it, what — Merry Christmas, America,” Zinke said.
In October, the Center for Western Priorities said it was aware of 18 probes the Office of Special Counsel and Office of Inspector General had launched or been asked by members of Congress to launch into Zinke.
Late Thursday, @Interior @SecretaryZinke joined @foxnewsnight @ShannonBream, where he joked that in light of the numerous probes into his office, he ought to be investigated for saying ‘Merry Christmas.’ pic.twitter.com/kwc2wtTYXb
— Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) November 30, 2018
