Ryan Zinke Tried to Pressure Investigators to Postpone Their Watchdog Report Until After the Nov Election

Helena, MT – In a damning report released on Wednesday, investigators with a Trump-appointed Inspector General found that not only did Ryan Zinke make “statements to investigators with the overall intent to mislead them,” but he also tried to pressure them into keeping the report quiet until after the November election.

Investigators said in the report, “Secretary Zinke cited DOJ guidelines and contended that we should postpone release of this report until after the conclusion of the November 2022 election in which he is seeking public office. As we explain in more detail in Appendix 3, we believe that doing so would itself be inappropriate as well as inconsistent with DOJ guidance and our ordinary processes.”

“Not only do Zinke’s actions reveal utter contempt for accountability, our law enforcement and for the rule of law, they also make it clear that he is scared as we approach November,” says Sheila Hogan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party. “A candidate who is confident in their campaign and their message doesn’t need to cheat and lie. Monica Tranel is running a strong campaign – clearly Ryan Zinke is scared.” 

The investigation started after two Connecticut tribes accused Zinke of acting inappropriately to block the tribes’ casino project as a favor to lobbyists from MGM Resorts International, which was opening a competing casino close by.

###