WASHINGTON DC (April 8, 2020) — Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley (R-IA), a longtime advocate for inspectors general and government oversight across political party and administration, today led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling on President Trump to provide a detailed written explanation for his decision to remove an inspector general. In a letter, the lawmakers underscore the important role inspectors general play in holding agencies accountable and outline the removal procedures, which are designed to prevent political interference. Cosigners of Sen Grassley’s letter include Sens Gary Peters (D-MI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Jon Tester (D-MT).
The 2008 Inspector General Reform Act requires the president to provide Congress with a written explanation at least 30 days prior to removing an inspector general. On Friday, President Trump informed Congress of his intention to remove Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson, citing a lack of confidence. However, the 2008 law requires additional details.
“Congressional intent is clear that an expression of lost confidence, without further explanation, is not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the statute. This is in large part because Congress intended that inspectors general only be removed when there is clear evidence of wrongdoing or failure to perform the duties of the office, and not for reasons unrelated to their performance, to help preserve IG independence,” the senators wrote.
The senators also raised concern about Atkinson being immediately placed on paid administrative leave, effectively removing him from his post prior to the 30-day expiration.
Sen Grassley raised similar concerns in 2009 when President Obama placed Americorps Inspector General Gerald Walpin on administrative leave and announced plans to terminate him, citing a lack of confidence. Walpin was never reinstated to his position.
In a statement shortly after Trump announced plans to remove Atkinson, Sen Grassley called for more information from the administration regarding the decision. He also tweeted and commented about the importance of qualified inspectors general earlier this week.
Full text of the senators’ letter to Trump enclosed at link.
