DOJ probing whether Ryan Zinke lied to Interior watchdog

The Justice Department is investigating whether former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke lied to investigators from the Interior's inspector general's office — a potential criminal violation, according to the Washington Post.

Background: Zinke, who played a key role in Trump's Cabinet by determining the administration’s environmental policies, resigned last month plagued by investigations into his management decisions, business dealings, travel and ethics practices, and spending.

Details: He is the target of 2 inquiries by the inspector general surrounding real estate dealings in his home state of Montana as well as his decision to block Native American tribes from opening a casino in Connecticut.

• Investigators at Interior believe Zinke lied to them, per the Post. And people familiar with the matter told the publication that investigators asked the Justice Department’s public integrity section to examine whether Zinke violated any federal laws.

Go deeper:

• Smoother, but same track expected at Interior following Zinke's departure
• Meet the Department of Interior's new acting director David Bernhardt