Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Reportedly Wanted to Attend Christmas Party Before Leaving White House

Zinke posed for photos in front of a large stuffed polar bear wearing a Santa cap.

At the request of the White House, Ryan Zinke resigned from his position as Interior Secretary Saturday—but not before he attended the White House holiday party, The Washington Post reports. The former secretary reportedly told White House staffers he wanted to have his final public appearance at the office Christmas party before his dismissal. Zinke invited lobbyists and conservative activists to his executive suite at the party Thursday night where he posed for photos in front of a large stuffed polar bear wearing a Santa cap, according to an attendee. Zinke, faces multiple investigations for abuse of power, “still has big-time political ambitions,” said one Republican with close ties to Zinke, who spoke to the Post on the condition of anonymity. Zinke’s resignation is expected to be followed by other Cabinet departures.

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