Zinke highlights legal defense costs as "a key factor" for resignation

Former Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke highlighted expensive defense costs against allegations against him and his family as the reason for his resignation in a statement via Twitter.

"I cannot justify spending thousands of dollars defending myself and my family against false allegations. It is better for the President and Interior to focus on accomplishments rather than fictional allegations."

The big picture: An ongoing investigation into Zinke was referred to the Justice Department by the agency's Office of Inspector General earlier this year. The referral could result in the DOJ opening up a criminal investigation into Zinke's actions.

• In April, the department's watchdog revealed a $12,375 tax-payer funded charter flight he took in 2017 was avoidable, adding to the narrative of Trump's cabinet members having questionable spending habits.