"Trump’s Interior Secretary Didn’t Violate Ethics Rules, Watchdog Finds"

"An inspector general’s report found no evidence that David Bernhardt had improperly favored a group that once employed him as a lobbyist."

"WASHINGTON — The inspector general for the Interior Department said on Thursday it had found no evidence that the former secretary, David Bernhardt, violated federal ethics or conflict-of-interest rules when the department made decisions that affected one of his former clients, a California water district.

The Interior Department under Mr. Bernhardt made decisions that benefited Westlands Water District, which represents California farmers, including a deal to grant federal water rights in perpetuity to a large agricultural district. Before joining the Trump administration, Mr. Bernhardt spent 10 years as the group’s chief lobbyist.

In a report issued Thursday, investigators said evidence did not support allegations that Mr. Bernhardt withheld information, worked on issues that presented a conflict, or sought to help his former client."

Lisa Friedman reports for the New York Times January 19, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"Allegations of Ethics Violations by Former U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Were Not Substantiated" (Interior OIG)