Politics

Nearly Half Of America Is Completely Unaware Of Pruitt’s Recent Scandal

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Most American citizens are unaware of the multitude of scandals currently befalling EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, according to an online poll published Wednesday.

More than 48 percent of respondents told pollsters they were unfamiliar with the scandals. Only 16 percent said they were “very” familiar, while a more robust 36 percent were “somewhat” familiar, according to the HarrisX Overnight Poll, which surveyed 2,000 people online.

The poll, which was commissioned by Axios, also shows 17 percent view him favorably while 22 percent view him unfavorably. But 32 percent have never heard of him. Over half the people surveyed were unable to render a value judgement on Pruitt, who has been bogged down for months over allegations he misappropriated taxpayer funds.

Pruitt has faced far-ranging questions about his alleged ethical shortcomings. Democrats have grilled him for allegedly paying $6,100 for a room in a condo owned by Vicki Hart, who is married to J. Steven Hart, an energy lobbyist who represents clients in industries regulated by the EPA. Payments to Hart came only on dates when the EPA administrator stayed in the room.

Democrats also teed-off on Pruitt’s flight expenses. Reports from The Washington Post, Politico and others in February show taxpayers funded at least $90,000 for Pruitt and his top aides to fly in June, which included first-class seats and a ride on a military jet. The flight upgrades were required due to an uptick in security threats Pruitt faced during his first year in office, the EPA maintains. (RELATED: A Senior EPA Official Explains Why Pruitt’s Testimony Probably Saved His Job)