Trump, offhandedly, names new

President Trump casually announced Friday that he will nominate acting Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler as the permanent replacement for Scott Pruitt, the ex-EPA czar who resigned in disgrace amid a flurry of ethical scandals.

Trump spontaneously spilled the news while introducing Wheeler and other members of his cabinet during a Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House.

“Acting administrator, who I will tell you is going to be made permanent. He’s done a fantastic job and I want to congratulate him, EPA Andrew Wheeler, great job,” Trump said, seemingly in passing. “Thank you very much.”

It was not clear if Wheeler had been informed beforehand of Trump’s intentions and EPA spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment. Wheeler, 53, will have to be confirmed by the Senate before he can officially take on the post.

Wheeler, who has