Donald Trump’s environment chief has lost the support of senior officials, has been condemned by liberals for his use of public money and for a rental deal linked to an energy lobbyist, but at the weekend won fresh support from the only person that really matters – the president himself.

Mr Trump waded into the growing row over embattled Scott Pruitt by insisting that the head of the Environment Protection Agency’s travel and security expenses were justified.

Senior aides have told the president to fire Mr Pruitt amid reports that he has spent $3 million on security and at a time when he has attracted ridicule for installing a soundproof booth.

But supporters insist he is an effective figure, delivering on election promises to roll back Obama-era regulations designed to protect air and water quality.

Mr Trump took to Twitter to suggest Mr Pruitt’s position was safe for now.