WASHINGTON, July 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has accepted the resignation of Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Trump made the announcement on Twitter Thursday afternoon, adding that Andrew Wheeler, the EPA's deputy administrator, will assume duties as the agency's acting administrator next week.

Pruitt's resignation comes after facing months of allegations against him over ethical and legal violations.

The president had previously said he had confidence in Pruitt.