BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Former U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has gotten a job with a private investment company after leaving the Trump administration amid unresolved ethics investigations.
North Carolina-based Artillery One said Monday that Zinke has been hired as managing director and will pursue investing opportunities in energy, financial technology and cybersecurity.
Zinke told The Associated Press he had "joined a winning team" following his previous service as a Navy SEAL, a Republican state lawmaker and Montana's sole member the U.S. House of Representatives.
"I am glad to be out of the swamp and free from the chains of office," Zinke said in a text message.
He declined to give further details on the terms of his employment.
After spending almost two years leading an agency that oversees 500 million acres of public lands, Zinke announced his resignation from the Interior Department last month and left the post on Jan. 2. He's denied any wrongdoing amid investigations into his private business dealings, a decision to block a tribal casino and other matters.
Zinke's tenure in President Donald Trump's Cabinet was marked by a shift toward policies more favorable to the oil and gas industry. Artillery One cited his "expertise in the energy and technology sectors" as a reason for his hiring.
Democrats in Congress have said they plan to hold hearings in coming months examining Zinke's time at Interior, including his recommendation to reduce the size of some national monuments.
Artillery One said in its announcement that Zinke will be based in Montana and California but travel extensively overseas.
The company said Zinke will work closely its chief executive, Daniel Cannon, to follow President Donald Trump's agenda of promoting economic development.
The company did not immediately respond to emails requesting further comment.
