What was the name of the Secretary of the Interior under Ronald Reagan who was drummed out of office in 1983 because of his insensitivity to people and the environment?

As Ronald Reagan's Secretary of the Interior, James G. Watt quickly became one of the most controversial figures in the administration. His tenure, which began in 1981, was marked by a philosophy that prioritized the development of natural resources over conservation. This approach included opening up vast areas of federal lands and coastal waters to oil and gas drilling, as well as easing restrictions on strip-mining. Environmental groups and many lawmakers from both political parties met these policies with staunch opposition, viewing them as a direct assault on the nation's natural heritage.

Watt's confrontational style and outspokenness often intensified the controversies surrounding his policies. He was known for his abrasive and sometimes insensitive remarks, which alienated not only his political opponents but also moderate members of his own party. He famously labeled those who disagreed with his views as "left-wing cultists." This approach created a highly polarized environment around the Department of the Interior, turning policy debates into ideological battles. His supporters, however, often saw him as a champion of Western interests and a necessary corrective to what they considered years of excessive federal regulation.

The final straw came in 1983 when Watt made a highly offensive remark about a commission appointed to review his coal-leasing policies. He described the panel's composition as having "a Black... a woman, two Jews and a cripple." This statement caused a public and political firestorm, leading to widespread calls for his departure. The ensuing pressure from both Democrats and influential Republicans became too great, and in October 1983, he was forced to resign, ending one of the most tumultuous tenures in the history of the Interior Department.