Wrong number: Pruitt’s ‘phone booth’ deemed too pricey

WASHINGTON — An internal government watchdog said the Environmental Protection Agency violated federal spending laws when purchasing a $43,000 soundproof privacy booth for Administrator Scott Pruitt to make private phone calls in his office.

The Government Accountability Office issued its findings Monday in a letter to Senate Democrats who had requested a review of Pruitt’s spending.

GAO General Counsel Thomas Armstrong determined that EPA’S purchase of the booth violated federal law prohibiting agencies from spending more than $5,000 for redecorating, furnishings or other improvements to the offices of presidential appointees without informing Congress.

Because EPA used federal money in a manner specifically prohibited by law, Armstrong said the agency also violated the Antideficiency Act.

EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said the agency is “addressing GAO’S concern, with regard to congressional notification about this expense, and will be sending Congress the necessary information this week.”

EPA has said that Pruitt needed the privacy booth to make secure phone calls with President Donald Trump and other administration officials without fear of eavesdropping. It is among several security precautions taken by Pruitt that are under scrutiny, like his frequent use of first-class flights to avoid unpleasant interactions with other travelers.

Pruitt and those around him are under multiple investigations launched by government watchdogs and congressional committees. EPA’S inspector general has at least five ongoing Pruitt-related probes, while the House oversight panel on Friday demanded interviews with five of the EPA administrator’s closest aides.