The Latest: Trump doesn’t publicly repeat praise of Pruitt

WASHINGTON — The Latest on Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt (all times local):

1:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump is offering support for Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, but declining to publicly reiterate his private praise for the embattled Cabinet member.

Pruitt is at the centre of swirling ethics questions over his travel spending and ties to Washington lobbyists.

Two administration officials say that in a Monday phone call, Trump told Pruitt that “we’ve got your back” and urged him to “keep his head up” and “keep fighting.” The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss private conversations.

Asked about Pruitt Tuesday, Trump told reporters: “I hope he’s going to be great.”

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10:09 a.m.

President Donald Trump is offering his support to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency who is at the centre of swirling ethics questions.

Two administration officials confirmed that the president called Scott Pruitt on Monday and told him that “we’ve got your back.”

Trump urged Pruitt to “keep his head up” and said the White House supported him. The officials said White House chief of staff John Kelly reiterated those sentiments in a call to Pruitt Tuesday morning.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss private conversations.

Pruitt has come under intense scrutiny for his use of a Capitol Hill condominium linked to a prominent Washington lobbyist whose firm represents fossil fuel companies.