Things were so bumpy Tuesday for EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program, you couldn’t blame him to still be smarting over the appearance.
He was repeatedly interrupted by the hosts including Joe Scarborough who demanded a ‘yes or no’ answer from Pruitt to the question whether he had discussed climate change with President Trump before the pullout from the Paris Climate Accord.
“It’s a simple question Mr. Pruitt, it’s a simple question: Have you ever talked to the president about whether he believes climate change is real? Does he still believe it was a hoax launched in China? Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Pruitt, the former Oklahoma Attorney General continued to defend Trump’s decision and argued the agreement would have damaged the U.S. economy.
“I think what’s important Joe, is the president has said when you make decisions on environmental decisions internationally, that we put America’s interests first,” said Pruitt.
“It’s important for Americans to know whether their president believes that global warming was hatched as a conspiracy theory in China. Doesn’t that matter to you?” asked Scarborough.
When Pruitt started to put his spin on the answer, Scarborough interrupted loudly.
“This interview has to stop in its tracks until I just get a yes, no answer from you whether you think it’s important their president believes that climate change is a conspiracy theory based out of China.”
“The president has indicated, Joe that the climate is changing,” answered Pruitt who a short time later made his own accusation. “I think the reason you’re asking this question is you’re trying to get away from the merits of the Paris accord.”