U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer Robert (Bob) Emmet LighthizerWhiskey, workers and friends caught in the trade dispute crossfire GOP senator warns quick vote on new NAFTA would be 'huge mistake' Pelosi casts doubt on USMCA deal in 2019 MORE spent nearly $1 million to furnish two trade offices, according to a Tuesday report from the New York Post.

In a statement to the Post, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said the $917,000 in furniture purchases were part of a plan devised under the Obama administration in order to replace aging pieces.

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Fred Ames, the assistant trade representative for administration, said the plans have been underway since before 2014, and have been overseen by career staff at the Trade Representative's Office.

"The investments are the culmination of a long-range, planned project that began before 2014 to install wall systems in work spaces and replace two-decade-old office furniture in two buildings to achieve improved functionality and gain much-needed additional office space," Ames said in a statement.

"Ambassador Lighthizer did not direct these expenditures, which were planned and executed consistent with career staff’s spending authority," Ames added. "All furnishings were acquired through Executive Office of the President contracting procedures. In my opinion as a senior career official responsible for developing and implementing this project, these funds were critical for continuing to execute effectively USTR’s mission."

Former Obama administration officials told the Post, however, that they never signed off on the plan to remodel the offices, with one former aide telling the news outlet that such a claim is "laughable."

Among the purchases made, according to the Post, were 60 sit-stand desks for $18,500; moveable wooden wall systems that came in around $290,000; and 90 office chairs that cost $54,000.

The largest sum was paid to Washington, D.C.-based Executive Furniture, which received around $475,000.

Two of the companies contracted for the remodeling plan told the Post that the offices were in need of upgrades, and that the contracts were in place before President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE took office.

Another contractor, GovSolutions Inc., told the Post that the contract was new, and thanked the administration for "supporting small business."

The nearly $1 million in spending surpasses that of former President Obama's two trade representatives.

Ron Kirk, who held the post from 2009 until 2013, spent $237,000 on office furniture in his first 15 months on the job. Kirk's successor, Michael Froman Michael B.G. FromanOn The Money: Sanders unveils plan to wipe .6T in student debt | How Sanders plan plays in rivalry with Warren | Treasury watchdog to probe delay of Harriet Tubman bills | Trump says Fed 'blew it' on rate decision Democrats give Trump trade chief high marks US trade rep spent nearly M to furnish offices: report MORE, spent $151,000 on office furniture in a comparable time span, according to the Post.

Lighthizer is the latest in a string of Trump administration officials to come under scrutiny for his spending on furniture or travel.

On Monday, the Government Accountability Office said Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt Edward (Scott) Scott PruittJuan Williams: Swamp creature at the White House Science protections must be enforceable Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE violated the law with a $43,000 "privacy booth" in his suite.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson Benjamin (Ben) Solomon CarsonState AGs condemn HUD rule allowing shelters to serve people on basis of biological sex Biden cannot keep letting Trump set the agenda The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump heads to New Hampshire after renomination speech MORE came under fire earlier this year after it was revealed that he had ordered a dining set for his office costing more than $31,000. He said last month he would cancel that order.

Updated on April 18 at 9:24 a.m.