EPA hires Republican opposition research firm to track news media

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt has some newly hired guns for his battle against the press—and facts. The opposition research firm Definers Public Affairs has been tapped for “media monitoring/newsclip compilation”—a serious understatement considering the aggressive “war room services” the firm promises its clients. According to its site, Definers will “distill and strategically deploy public information to build and influence media narratives, move public opinion and provide powerful ammunition for your public relations and government affairs efforts.” The EPA is the first government client to pay for the Definers media-tracking technology. The firm also offers “conservative strategic partnerships,” no doubt useful to Pruitt’s pro-business, anti-government agenda. Even the most experienced dirt-diggers and smoke manufacturers can’t save your reputation, Pruitt. Put that in your media tracker.