Former Trump official under ethics probe joins crypto firm Artillery One

President Donald Trump’s former interior secretary Ryan Zinke has been hired as a top exec at a cryptocurrency and blockchain investment company.

Zinke, who resigned in December over allegations he misused taxpayer money and was slammed for his environmental record, is working for North Carolina-based Artillery One. Zinke denies all the charges.

In an interview with SWI, he said: “I am excited about developing a winning team in an emerging technology to help shape the blockchain industry and professionalise it to make sure there is a degree of security and confidence.

“I’m focused on cybersecurity, protection of infrastructure, and emerging countries that can act as a test bed for new technologies.

“There is some suspicion that blockchain does not really work. We think it does, and we want to showcase the utility and flexibility of the model.”

‘It won’t replace nations’

The former Navy Seal was also asked what effect blockchain will have on society.

“I don’t think it will replace nations, but it will create enormous opportunity for those who don’t have access to capital or accountability in emerging economies,” he said.

“I feel confident it will lift up the underserved.

“Application of the technology in industry is wide open. Tracing cobalt through blockchain to make sure production isn’t being done using child labour is clever and an important step.”

Earlier this month, IBM announced that Ford will start using blockchain technology to ensure the “responsible sourcing of industrially-mined cobalt.”

“Secretary Zinke brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the workings of business and government,” said Artillery One’s CEO Daniel P. Cannon.

“His expertise in the energy and technology sectors will help Artillery One to continue to expand its consulting and finance business in the core areas of cybersecurity, energy, fintech, and digital assets.

“We look forward to introducing him to our strategic partners and clients around the globe.”