United States Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He served as the 43rd United States Secretary of the Interior during the Administration of President Ronald W. Reagan from 1981 until 1983. After attaining his law degree from the University of Wyoming, he began his political career as an aide for United States Senator Milward Simpson. He moved on to serve in various capacities for six different presidential administrations prior to succeeding Cecil Andrus as Secretary of the Interior. During his tenure, Watt came under fire almost immediately when he launched efforts to open public land and resources to private development, which infuriated environmentalists. After embarrassing the Reagan Administration with the controversial remarks when describing an advisory panel as "a black, a woman, two Jews, and a cripple," he was pressured to resign. He found himself in legal jeopardy when he was found guilty of withholding documents in a grand jury investigation pertaining to an investigation of HUD during President Reagan's tenure. He received a five-year probation period in addition to 500 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine.
United States Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He served as the 43rd United States Secretary of the Interior during the Administration of President Ronald W. Reagan from 1981 until 1983. After attaining his law degree from the University of Wyoming, he began his political career as an aide for United States Senator Milward Simpson. He moved on to serve in various capacities for six different presidential administrations prior to succeeding Cecil Andrus as Secretary of the Interior. During his tenure, Watt came under fire almost immediately when he launched efforts to open public land and resources to private development, which infuriated environmentalists. After embarrassing the Reagan Administration with the controversial remarks when describing an advisory panel as "a black, a woman, two Jews, and a cripple," he was pressured to resign. He found himself in legal jeopardy when he was found guilty of withholding documents in a grand jury investigation pertaining to an investigation of HUD during President Reagan's tenure. He received a five-year probation period in addition to 500 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine.
Bio by: C.S.
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