 |
| J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo |
Linick played a smart part in the House impeachment against President Trump. He was also said to have been investigating Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, for the “misuse of a political appointee at the Department to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. Pompeo” NBC News reports.
Trump informed Congress of the removal, first reported by Politico, saying he “no longer” had the “fullest confidence” in Linick and will replace him with someone “who has my confidence and who mets the approite qualification.”
It is extremely important that we promote the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Federal programs and activities. The Inspectors General have a critical role in the achieve of these goals. As is the case with regard to other positions where I, as President, have the power of appointment, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, it is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General. That is no longer the case with regard to this Inspector General.”
Multiple Democrats responded to the firing, with Pelosi saying “The President’s late-night, weekend firing of the State Department Inspector General has accelerated his dangerous pattern of retaliation against the patriotic public servants charged with conducting oversight on behalf of the American people.”
She went on to talk about the ‘HEROES’ bill that passed the House floor the same night. "It is concerning that the President has taken this action as the House passes the Heroes Act, which contains critical funding for the State Department IG to oversee and ensure the effective, wise spending of coronavirus response funds.“
"The President must cease his pattern of reprisal and retaliation against the public servants who are working to keep Americans safe, particularly during this time of global emergency."
Another Democrat, Representative Elliot Engel, D-N.Y., published a statement saying, “This firing is the outrageous act of a President trying to protect one of his most loyal supporters, the Secretary of State, from accountability. I have learned that the Office of the Inspector General had opened an investigation into Secretary Pompeo. Mr. Linick’s firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation."