To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.

×
Accused of Lying to His Own Agency's Investigators, Departure Doesn't Save Zinke From DOJ Probe

The Department of Justice is investigating former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, regarding allegations that he lied to investigators about a land deal he struck with a Halliburton executive. (Photo: C-Span)

Accused of Lying to His Own Agency's Investigators, Departure Doesn't Save Zinke From DOJ Probe

"Someone should let Zinke know that resigning doesn't save you from prison."

Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke left office Wednesday following a Trump administration tenure characterized by aggressive environmental regulatory rollbacks as well as 18 federal investigations into his ethics, spending, and conduct while in office--but his resignation has not saved him from a Justice Department probe into potentially criminal violations.

The Washington Postreported Thursday that the DOJ has opened a probe into whether Zinke lied to his own agency's investigators about his involvement in a land deal in Montana and the blocking of a casino project proposed by First Nations tribes in Connecticut.

After questioning Zinke about the incidents, the Interior Department inspector general "came to believe Zinke had lied...[and] referred the matter to the Justice Department to consider whether any laws were violated," according to the Post.

"The Justice Department's interest in the matter is significant, signaling prosecutors felt Zinke's account was suspect and warranted further scrutiny," the Post continued. "Department officials have not yet decided, though, whether he should face charges."

Critics of Zinke celebrated in December when his impending resignation was announced, with Friends of the Earth saying, "Zinke's days of plundering our lands and enriching himself and his friends are over."

But as Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) tweeted a day before the DOJ's new investigation was reported, Zinke's departure won't necessarily stop him from being held accountable for his actions while in office.

Join Us: News for people demanding a better world


Common Dreams is powered by optimists who believe in the power of informed and engaged citizens to ignite and enact change to make the world a better place.

We're hundreds of thousands strong, but every single supporter makes the difference.

Your contribution supports this bold media model—free, independent, and dedicated to reporting the facts every day. Stand with us in the fight for economic equality, social justice, human rights, and a more sustainable future. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover the issues the corporate media never will. Join with us today!

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
environmentfirst nationsfriends of the earthhalliburtonryan zinkeus department of justice

Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke left office Wednesday following a Trump administration tenure characterized by aggressive environmental regulatory rollbacks as well as 18 federal investigations into his ethics, spending, and conduct while in office--but his resignation has not saved him from a Justice Department probe into potentially criminal violations.

The Washington Postreported Thursday that the DOJ has opened a probe into whether Zinke lied to his own agency's investigators about his involvement in a land deal in Montana and the blocking of a casino project proposed by First Nations tribes in Connecticut.

After questioning Zinke about the incidents, the Interior Department inspector general "came to believe Zinke had lied...[and] referred the matter to the Justice Department to consider whether any laws were violated," according to the Post.

"The Justice Department's interest in the matter is significant, signaling prosecutors felt Zinke's account was suspect and warranted further scrutiny," the Post continued. "Department officials have not yet decided, though, whether he should face charges."

Critics of Zinke celebrated in December when his impending resignation was announced, with Friends of the Earth saying, "Zinke's days of plundering our lands and enriching himself and his friends are over."

But as Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) tweeted a day before the DOJ's new investigation was reported, Zinke's departure won't necessarily stop him from being held accountable for his actions while in office.

Former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke left office Wednesday following a Trump administration tenure characterized by aggressive environmental regulatory rollbacks as well as 18 federal investigations into his ethics, spending, and conduct while in office--but his resignation has not saved him from a Justice Department probe into potentially criminal violations.

The Washington Postreported Thursday that the DOJ has opened a probe into whether Zinke lied to his own agency's investigators about his involvement in a land deal in Montana and the blocking of a casino project proposed by First Nations tribes in Connecticut.

After questioning Zinke about the incidents, the Interior Department inspector general "came to believe Zinke had lied...[and] referred the matter to the Justice Department to consider whether any laws were violated," according to the Post.

"The Justice Department's interest in the matter is significant, signaling prosecutors felt Zinke's account was suspect and warranted further scrutiny," the Post continued. "Department officials have not yet decided, though, whether he should face charges."

Critics of Zinke celebrated in December when his impending resignation was announced, with Friends of the Earth saying, "Zinke's days of plundering our lands and enriching himself and his friends are over."

But as Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) tweeted a day before the DOJ's new investigation was reported, Zinke's departure won't necessarily stop him from being held accountable for his actions while in office.

environmentfirst nationsfriends of the earthhalliburtonryan zinkeus department of justice