BILLINGS- Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke gave his first interview since his resignation was announced by President Trump last Saturday.
Zinke’s made an appearance on the Fox News Channel’s “Special Report With Bret Baier”.
The soon-to-be-former secretary said President Trump did not force him out of the cabinet position and the distractions outweigh the accomplishments.
He told Baier that the Interior Department has been one of the leading conservationists, opening of millions of acres to hunting and fishing and along with 39 wildlife refuges.
He said climate is changing and there is a responsibility to manage the dead and dying timber to prevent wildfires.
And the secretary defended himself against allegations against him.
“I’ve never seen the level of anger, of hatred,” Zinke said. “They have threatened my wife, my family, trespassed on our property, put signs around the neighborhood. They have lied, cheated and made false allegations. This country needs to take a deep breath and understand we’re all Americans.”
He also said he exercised what the president wanted and led the Interior in the right direction.
Zinke will leave at the end of the year.
