Trump Ousts Independent Watchdog of the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Fund
After Donald Trump's attacks on independent inspectors general this week, this news is not terribly surprising. Some might argue that it was totally predictable. The President just doesn't seem to understand that inspectors general are appointed to uphold the law, not provide him with political cover.
New York Times: "President Trump moved on Tuesday to oust the leader of a new panel of watchdogs charged with overseeing how his administration spends trillions of taxpayer dollars in coronavirus pandemic relief. It was the latest step in an unfolding White House power play over semi-independent inspectors general across the government." ...
..."The move effectively removed Mr. Fine — a former Justice Department inspector general with a reputation for aggression and independence — from his role overseeing pandemic spending."
"Democrats immediately condemned Mr. Fine’s sudden sidelining from the committee as “corrupt,” in the words of Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader."
AP: :House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Fine’s abrupt removal “part of a disturbing pattern of retaliation by the president against independent overseers.” Trump, she said, is attempting to “disregard critical oversight provisions that hold the administration accountable to the law.”
Axios: "Trump just fired the Inspector General overseeing the relief package. And threatened another who reported PPE shortages," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said in a tweet Tuesday.
"Inspectors General are charged with doing independent oversight and exposing corruption. Their job is to uncover the truth. Exactly why Trump fears them," Schiff added."
How soon will it be until there are headlines about relief money directed toward the President's political allies and/or withheld from companies and individuals that oppose his reelection? Just wondering.
By: Don Lam & Curated Content
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