Ask a Pundit: Why Does Scott Pruitt Still Have a Job?

Mother Jones; Andrew Harnik/AP

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Martin Longman asks a provocative question: Why is Scott Pruitt untouchable? Trump has fired loads of other people, but despite Pruitt’s almost comical accumulation of embarrassing scandals, he has somehow managed to hang on. What’s the deal with this? How does Pruitt do it? I’m here to help:

  • He has not called Donald Trump either a moron or an idiot.
  • He does not argue with Trump about policy.
  • He does not bore Trump with lengthy white papers.
  • He believes climate change is hogwash.
  • Liberals hate his guts.
  • The press is gunning for him.
  • He is nakedly avaricious and enjoys taking revenge on his enemies—two traits that Trump approves of.
  • Trump doesn’t really care about scandals per se, only about scandals that threaten to touch him in any way.
  • Pruitt’s scandals don’t touch Trump in any way.

Any other questions?

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YOUR GIFT DOUBLES THROUGH FRIDAY

Right now, every dollar you give goes twice as far—but only until Friday’s midnight deadline. This is the moment to make your support count double.

In a climate where journalists face mounting pressure to back down, stay silent, or soften their reporting, Mother Jones refuses to flinch. We’re pushing back against intimidation and delivering fierce, independent journalism that holds power accountable—no matter who’s trying to silence us.

But here’s the reality: We’re a nonprofit newsroom with zero corporate backing and no financial cushion. We depend entirely on readers like you to fund the investigations that matter most.

Friday’s 2X match deadline is coming soon. We need you on the team right now. Please chip in and double your impact.

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