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Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP
EPA chief Scott Pruitt kicked off Sean Spicer's daily press briefing Friday by commending President Trump for his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris accord. "The president made a very courageous decision yesterday. He put America first," he said.
As soon as the briefing opened up to questions, Pruitt was immediately asked whether Trump believes climate change is real. Pruitt, like other senior WH officials who have repeatedly been asked the same question, refused to answer. He was asked 3 times. Spicer was later asked the same question, and he also failed to respond, instead saying "I have not had an opportunity to have that discussion."
- Pruitt on global warming: "Global warming is occurring... the degree of human contribution is difficult... there are climate exaggerators,"
- U.S. handling of climate change: "There is nothing to be apologetic about," said Pruitt. "We have done a tremendous amount as a country to achieve reductions in CO2. We have done that through technology and innovation."
- How will Trump renegotiate when other countries say they won't participate? "That's up to them, right?" said Pruitt.
- On backlash from Trump's Paris decision: "This is who the American people elected last year," said Spicer.
- Will CEOs Bob Iger and Elon Musk be replaced on Trump's advisory panels? Spicer said he doesn't know.
- Questions on Russia probe: "Going forward, all questions will be referred to outside counsel," Spicer stated.