A memo dated May 1, 2017 shows Scott Pruitt’s security detail indeed had concerns about his safety and suggested he travel by air in first class seating.
The Washington Post uncovered the memo in a public records request, showing how the head of security, Pasquale “Nino” Perrotta wanted a better way to control the security environment around the new EPA Administrator.
“We are requesting that the EPA Administrator be strategically seated in business and or first class seating when on official travel,” began the memo. “We have observed and (sic) increased awareness and at times lashing out from passengers which occurs while the Administrator is seated in coach with PSD not easily accessible to him due to uncontrolled full flights.”
It went on to state, “We believe that the continued use of coach seats for the Administrator would endanger his life…”
Perrotta used the justification to ask the EPA Travel Administrator for Pruitt to fly either in business or first class.
The agency approved the request.
Pruitt’s travels have raised challenges from Democrats in Congress who also questioned such a need. But the EPA had maintained there was a security issue when Pruitt travels around the country.
Perrotta retired last week from the EPA and this week told the Daily Caller, “When I supported the shift, there were instances that were very disturbing to me. Those particular examples—you don’t need many of them to realize there are people out there that want to cause harm.”
He cited threats made against Pruitt on social media and in voice mails.