Ryan Zinke

Ryan Keith Zinke (November 1, 1961 –) is an American politician and businessman who served as United States Secretary of the Interior in the Trump Administration from 2017 until his resignation in 2019. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for Montana's at-large congressional district from 2015 to 2017. From 2009 to 2013, he served as a member of the Montana Senate, representing the 2nd district.

Quotes

• Without question, our public lands are America’s treasure and are rich in diversity. I fully recognize and appreciate that there are lands that deserve special recognition and are better managed under the John Muir model of wilderness, where man is more of an observer than an active participant.

• During the recent centennial of our National Park Service, I found myself at the ceremony at Yellowstone National Park, our first National Park established by Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. As I enjoyed the celebration under the famous Roosevelt arch, I could not help but notice the words etched in the stone at the top of the arch “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” And, on the side of the right pillar was a plaque with the words “Created by Act of Congress.” I thought “What a perfect symbol’ of what our land policy in a Nation as great as ours should be.
  • Before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (January 17, 2017)

• I'm a geologist, and I don't consider myself a genius, but I'm a pretty smart guy.
  • Speaking at a Senate Appropriations hearing (21 June 2017)

Quotes about Ryan Zinke

• And I have to say, really, talk about a very special guy that I made Secretary of the Interior. Does he know the interior — he knows it, he loves it. He loves seeing it and riding on it.
  • Donald Trump speaking at Utah State Capitol (4 December 2017)

• Ryan Zinke is not, in fact, a geologist. He has never been a geologist. What he did is major in geology in college, which does not make you a geologist. All it does is qualify you to watch the movie San Andreas and whisper to your friend, "It wouldn't happen like that."
  • John Oliver on his Last Week Tonight show (22 April 2018)