Tag

#oversight

Mechanisms for monitoring and checking government power, including congressional oversight, inspectors general, the GAO, and judicial review. Incidents involve the dismantlement or circumvention of these accountability structures.

3 incidents

Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power

Mass Firing of Inspectors General Across Federal Government

Trump fired at least 17 inspectors general across the federal government without the advance notice to Congress that the Inspector General Act generally requires, and a later federal ruling said the notice failure violated the statute.

Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power

Mike Pompeo: State Department Staff Used for Personal Errands, Spouse Events Charged to Taxpayers

The State Department OIG's April 2021 report on the investigation begun by Linick found more than a hundred improper requests by Pompeo or his wife to department staff, including mailing personal holiday cards, caring for family pets and planning personal events. Trump removed Linick on May 15, 2020; Trump's letter cited lost confidence, and Pompeo later said the decision to remove Linick was his. Linick testified to Congress in June 2020 about the circumstances of his firing, including the errands investigation and alleged bullying by Pompeo aide Brian Bulatao over a separate review of emergency arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Pompeo denied wrongdoing.