Zinke’s Departure Puts Interior Department in Hands of Former Oil Lobbyist
- David Bernhardt masterminded changes on endangered species
- Seen serving as acting secretary until replacement confirmed
David Bernhardt
Photographer: Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images
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A former lobbyist who has played a leading, behind-the-scenes role at the Interior Department driving Trump administration policies to expand drilling and strip wildlife protections is poised to take over the agency at least temporarily.
David Bernhardt is expected to be named acting Interior secretary by President Donald Trump, following the resignation of current chief Ryan Zinke, which was announced Saturday.