Trump considering firing Zinke before newly empowered Democrats open their own investigation of him: report

Donald Trump is reportedly still considering firing Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke because he's likely to be investigated by the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives — despite telling reporters he has no plans to do so.

The Washington Post reported Friday that according to two Trump administration officials briefed on the matter, the president said he'd make a decision after he returns from Paris next week.

Earlier in the day, Trump responded "no" when reporters asked him if he plans to fire Zinke — just two days after hinting that the cabinet official's fate could be decided "in about a week."

“I’m going to look into any complaints," the president added.

Politico on Thursday reported that Zinke has reached out to Fox News about punditry gigs, a sign he may expect to be fired. The embattled Interior secretary "is also looking for positions on energy company boards of directors or private equity firms," the report noted.

On November 1, the Washington Post reported that the White House is concerned Zinke violated federal rules due to a real estate deal the Interior secretary took on from a Halliburton executive.

"The business and retail park, known as 95 Karrow, would be near parcels of land owned by Zinke and his wife," the Post reported.