Pruitt’s personal security detail balloons to 30 bodyguards and $2 million of taxpayer money

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is feeling insecure again, fearful of his own staff and a populace that doesn’t appreciate his favors to big pollutersCNN reports that the EPA is in the process of adding 12 bodyguards to Pruitt's 24/7 security entourage, bringing the number of people protecting him to a total of 30. That’s right—Pruitt’s security detail will soon be large enough to field two rugby teams. It’s unheard of for an EPA chief to have security personnel working around the clock, and they don’t come cheaper by the dozen. The salaries alone will cost taxpayers an estimated $2 million annually—and that’s not including their training, equipment, and travel. You can add this latest expense to the list of questionable purchases Pruitt is making on the public’s dime, which includes a $25,000 soundproof booth and nearly $60,000 worth of noncommercial flights. Meanwhile, the Trump administration wants to slash the EPA’s budget by 30 percent. What all this doesn't add up to is better protection for public health and the environment (the EPA's mission). 

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