President Donald Trump and EPA chief Scott Pruitt met at the White House on Friday with auto executives about fuel economy requirements. | Evan Vucci/AP Trump: 'I do' have confidence in Pruitt

President Donald Trump said Friday he continues to have confidence in embattled EPA chief Scott Pruitt.

"Yes, I do," Trump replied when asked if he has confidence in Pruitt today, according to a pool report. They were meeting at the White House with auto executives about fuel economy requirements.


Pruitt is facing a dozen active investigations into various allegations of lavish spending and ethical lapses.

The embattled EPA administrator sat one seat away from the president. White House legislative director Marc Short said earlier this week Pruitt would remain in his post for the "foreseeable future."

Morning Energy newsletter The source for energy and environment news — weekday mornings, in your inbox. Email Sign Up By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or alerts from POLITICO. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Pruitt has faced allegations of lavish spending on his 24/7 security detail, questions over his $50-a-night condo agreement with the wife of a Washington lobbyist who met with the EPA chief, accusations he sidestepped the White House to give hefty raises to close aides, concerns over his frequent first-class flights and blowback for tightly-controlled events with industry groups that left out the public and the press, among other problems.

During a pair of congressional hearings last month, he largely blamed staff for the ongoing scandals. He’ll return to Capitol Hill next week for a May 16 hearing before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee sure to feature additional questions over his behavior. The House Oversight Committee is in the process of interviewing some of Pruitt’s closest aides as they investigate the allegations.

