on december 7, 2016, president-elect donald trump announced his plans to nominate pruitt as the administrator of the environmental protection agency. the nomination was reviewed during hearings held by the members of the environment and public works committee. he then passed to the full senate for a vote. on february 17, 2017, the united states senate confirmed his nomination with a 52-46 vote. he was sworn-in the next day by vice president mike pence.