"Scott Pruitt, on Capitol Hill, Deflects Blame for Ethical Lapses"

"WASHINGTON — Scott Pruitt, the Environmental Protection Agency chief, had an easier time than expected on Capitol Hill on Thursday as he deflected Democrats’ pointed questions about accusations of ethical infractions and lavish personal spending at the taxpayers’ expense.

He insisted that the charges were false and that decisions involving illegal actions had been made by his staff members without his knowledge.

“I have nothing to hide,” Mr. Pruitt said. Republicans were largely sympathetic.

His performance, supporters said, may have saved his job and his standing with President Trump."

Coral Davenport and Lisa Friedman report for the New York Times April 26, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"At Hearings, EPA Chief Seeks To Divert Blame For Ethics Woes" (AP)

"Scott Pruitt Admits Little Culpability In EPA Controversies, Mostly Blames Aides And Staff" (Washington Post)

"Scott Pruitt Knew Exactly Who to Blame for His Ethical Lapses" (Mother Jones)

"Grilled by U.S. Lawmakers, Trump's EPA Chief Calls Ethics Scandals Lies" (Reuters)

"5 Takeaways From Scott Pruitt’s Grilling in Congress" (Washington Post)

"Pruitt Dodges Blame" (Politico)

"So, Scott Pruitt Totally Lied About Raises For His Employees" (CNN)

"Lawmakers Grilling EPA Chief Scott Pruitt: 'You Are Unfit To Hold Public Office'" (CNN)

"Lawmakers Sharply Question Pruitt With EPA Job on the Line" (Bloomberg)

"Scott Pruitt Is Even Worse At Yes-Or-No Questions Than He Is At Following Ethics Rules" (The Verge)