Democratic senators have accused a senior Trump administration official overseeing the US Forest Service of pressuring agency staff to divert resources to combat a wildfire near his Idaho property, alleging "inappropriate interference." The claims, detailed in a letter to the agricultural secretary, have sparked calls for an investigation into the official’s actions while serving as undersecretary for natural resources and environment. The controversy raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the prioritization of federal resources. A Guardian-obtained letter lays out the senators’ demands for transparency and accountability.
Exclusive: Michael Boren, a senior official overseeing the US Forest Service, is accused by Democratic senators of ‘inappropriate interference’Donald Trump’s administration is facing calls to launch an investigation into allegations that Michael Boren, a senior official who oversees the US Forest Service, pressed agency staff to deploy additional resources to fight a fire burning near his Idaho ranch.Three Democratic senators accused Boren of “inappropriate interference” in a letter seen by the Guardian, demanding answers from Brooke Rollins, US agricultural secretary. Boren serves as undersecretary of agriculture for natural resources and environment. Continue reading...
