Interior’s watchdog is reviewing allegations that David Bernhardt violated the Trump ethics pledge
Then-Deputy Interior Secretary David Bernhardt in October. By Juliet Eilperin Juliet Eilperin Reporter covering domestic policy and national affairs Email Bio Follow April 2 at 7:00 PM The Interior Department’s Office of Inspector General is reviewing allegations that acting secretary David Bernhardt may have violated his ethics pledge by weighing in on issues affecting a former client, the office confirmed Tuesday.
Bernhardt, who represented the Westlands Water District at the firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck before joining the administration in August 2017, has consistently said that he has complied with all federal ethics rules and has not weighed in on particular matters affecting former clients. Under the administration’s ethics pledge, he should be recused from specific issues involving a former client for up to two years, though he can weigh in on policies affecting a broader group of parties.
“It’s important that the inspector general look into this matter and see what happened here,” said Daniel Stevens, executive director of the Campaign for Accountability, who received a letter from the office Monday.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump to pick Fox News contributor for new State Dept spokeswomanNEW: Trump admin. has chosen counterterrorism expert and Fox News contributor Morgan Ortagus to be new US State Dept. spokesperson, three people with knowledge of the decision tell NBCNews. - JoshNBCNews
Read more »
New documents raise questions over State Dept. move to rescind honor for Trump criticJessikka Aro, a Finnish investigative journalist with a history of breaking stories on Russian propaganda efforts, had been slated to receive a prestigious award in Washington along with several other women selected by the State Department for their courage in the face of great risks overseas.
Read more »
Trump says FBI, DOJ 'will review the outrageous Jussie Smollett case''It is an embarrassment to our Nation!' Trump said of prosecutors dropping charges against Smollett.
Read more »
Swamp creatures silently protest at confirmation hearing of Trump Interior pickAs David Bernhardt testified Thursday, a green, unblinking swamp creature was watching attentively from the second row, visible just over his right shoulder.
Read more »
Analysis | The Energy 202: Senate Democrat blasts ethics of Trump Interior secretary nomineeThe Energy 202: Senate Democrat blasts ethics of Trump Interior secretary nominee
Read more »
Analysis | Ex-Trump aide details president’s alleged effort to cover up the Trump Tower meetingMark Corallo alleges that then-communications staffer Hope Hicks lied to special counsel Robert Mueller about it.
Read more »
Ocasio-Cortez says 'AOC sucks' chant at Trump rally shows Trump needs a woman to 'vilify'New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said the 'AOC sucks' chant from President Donald Trump's supporters was emblematic of Trump finding a female politician to attack
Read more »
Skimpy health plans touted by Trump bring back familiar woes for consumersAs the Trump administration pushes less regulated health insurance plans that don't have to follow Obamacare rules, patients are at growing risk of getting duped.
Read more »