David Axelrod actually said...

One of the appeals Pruitt may have been until the last few days that Pruitt has a constituency in the Senate.

I think the whole thing is bizarre. I don't think ethics meant much in this administration starting with the President himself.

There's so many reasons why it raises eyebrows, not the least of which that he was apparently advised not to do it.

When time and time and time again he refuses to rebuke Putin, it sends a very clear message.