As a delegation from American Samoa, led by Lt Governor Lemanu Mauga, discussed issues regarding federal territorial relations this week, it seems Secretary of the Interior, Fofoga o Samoa Ryan Zinke was preoccupied with issues of his own.
A report in the Washington Post this week, says the White House is growing increasingly concerned about allegations of misconduct against Secretary Zinke, according to two senior administration officials.
Trump reportedly told his aides that he is afraid Zinke has broken rules while serving as the interior secretary and is concerned about the Justice Department referral.
This week, Interior’s Office of Inspector General referred the inquiry — one of several probes into the secretary’s conduct — to the Justice Department to determine whether a criminal investigation is warranted.
That referral concerns Zinke’s involvement in a Whitefish, Mont., land development deal backed by David J. Lesar, chairman of the oil services firm Halliburton.
The report indicates that the business and retail park, known as 95 Karrow, would be near parcels of land owned by Zinke and his wife, Lola.
The Inspector General is looking at discussions Zinke had with Lesar and others about the development which could indicate he was using his office to enrich himself according to Washington Post.
The White House and Interior declined to comment Thursday.
Zinke has indicated that he intends to stay in his post, according to a person who talked to him recently, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation.
Here’s link to Washington Post story:
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/06/28/inspector-general-will-review-zinkes-involvement-in-land-deal-backed-by-halliburtons-chairman/?utm_term=.037cb7c2d923>that
