Private Jet Source Bing.com
Who is Zinke?
Ryan Zinke is a former United States Secretary of the Interior. He served in the Trump administration from March 2017 to January 2019. Prior to his appointment, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Montana’s at-large congressional district.
What Happened?
In 2017, Zinke came under fire for his use of private jets while traveling on official business. The controversy began when he chartered a private plane from Las Vegas to his home state of Montana at a cost of $12,375. The trip was for a speech to the Western Governors’ Association.
Controversy Source Bing.com
Why was it Controversial?
The controversy stemmed from the fact that Zinke’s use of private jets was at odds with President Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” and cut wasteful spending in government. Critics argued that Zinke’s use of private jets was an unnecessary expense that could have been avoided by using commercial flights or other forms of transportation.
What Did Zinke Say?
Zinke defended his use of private jets, arguing that it was necessary for security reasons and to ensure that he could fulfill his duties as Secretary of the Interior. He also claimed that he had taken fewer private flights than his predecessor, Sally Jewell.
Secretary Of The Interior Source Bing.com
How Did the Public Respond?
The public response to Zinke’s use of private jets was mixed. Some people felt that it was an unnecessary expense that could have been avoided, while others argued that it was necessary for security reasons and to ensure that Zinke could do his job effectively.
What Happened Next?
Following the controversy, Zinke pledged to reimburse the government for the cost of his private flights. He also announced that he would be taking a commercial flight from Las Vegas to Montana for his next speaking engagement.
Commercial Flight Source Bing.com
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Zinke’s use of private jets highlights the tension between the need for government officials to travel safely and securely and the need to cut wasteful spending. While some argue that private jets are a necessary expense for officials who are responsible for national security and other important matters, others believe that they should be avoided whenever possible.
