“EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s tenure has been a part of the Trump Administration’s culture of corruption, cronyism and incompetence. Pruitt must resign," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. | Saul Loeb/Getty Images Pelosi calls on Pruitt to resign

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Friday called on Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt to resign, saying he has "displayed a staggering ethical blindness."

“EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s tenure has been a part of the Trump Administration’s culture of corruption, cronyism and incompetence. Pruitt must resign," Pelosi said in a statement. "Pruitt has displayed a staggering ethical blindness, and his abuses of office are representative of an Administration that uses their powerful positions to enrich themselves and their friends."


Pruitt has been the subject of a series of damaging articles in recent days alleging that he rented a $50-a-night condo room from a pair of lobbyists, that he reportedly sidelined aides who questioned his expensive travel and security costs, and that he allegedly asked for sirens and lights to speed up his trips around Washington, including to a trendy French restaurant.

He is also being investigated by the EPA's inspector general for other purported ethical lapses involving his travel and security expenses.

Even though White House officials have been irritated by the scandals, President Donald Trump has continued to publicly voice support for the EPA chief.

Do you believe that the Fake News Media is pushing hard on a story that I am going to replace A.G. Jeff Sessions with EPA Chief Scott Pruitt, who is doing a great job but is TOTALLY under siege? Do people really believe this stuff? So much of the media is dishonest and corrupt! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 6, 2018