What we already know about Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Scott Pruitt's corruption is mind-boggling, but it looks like there's plenty more where that came from.
We recently learned that Pruitt ordered one of his aides to help him find jobs for his wife and ordered his security detail to drive him around Washington D.C. in search of fancy lotion from the Ritz-Carlton.
Current and former EPA officials now say Pruitt also used his position to secure tickets to the Rose Bowl in January and he used his position to get his daughter into law school at the University of Virginia.
If these seem like the actions of a person who desperately wants to be accepted as a socialite diva, well, that's exactly what EPA officials say.
The officials said that Mr. Pruitt, who “had a clear sense of entitlement,” in the words of one of them, indicated that he expected staff members’ assistance with matters outside the purview of government, including calling on an executive with connections in the energy industry to help secure tickets to a sold-out football game in January at the Rose Bowl. [...]
They said Mr. Pruitt told them that he expected a certain standard of living akin to wealthier Trump cabinet members. The aides felt as if Mr. Pruitt — who is paid about $180,000 a year — saw them as foot soldiers in achieving that lifestyle.
“The problem is he is not Trump — he is not a billionaire,” said one of the other aides, who spoke on the condition that they not be named. “But he sincerely thinks he is.”
To my surprise, Scott Pruitt in just 50 years old even though he has the appearance of someone considerably older. And in his relatively short life, Pruitt has held the titles of state senator, attorney general, and now EPA administrator. And he's not poor.
The fact that someone of his experience and priviledge would so desperately try to fit in among richer people is pathetic and embarrassing. I almost don't know what to call it. It's childish.
It's like some kind of mid-life crisis but, instead of buying a Camaro and getting his ear pierced, Pruitt is buying expensive lotion and couch-surfing at condos owned by lobbyists.
If I behave this way when I turn 50, please kill me.