The ICIG, the controversial figure who said the whistleblower complaint leading to Trump’s impeachment, has been fired. Trump sent a letter to Richard Burr (R-NC) Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence to inform him of his decision.
SCOOP: Trump has fired Michael Atkinson, the inspector general for the intelligence community, who opposed then-DNI Maguire’s decision to withhold the whistleblower complaint that sparked the impeachment inquiry.
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) April 4, 2020
Letter to Burr/Warner, obtained by me & @NatashaBertrand pic.twitter.com/hBwlR0HCZY
The change is to take effect 30 days from the notice, which was sent to the SCI today.
Trump cited lack of full confidence in Atkinson as a major reason for his decision.
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.”
Trump said in his letter to Burr.
As would be expected, critics of the president are already bemoaning the decision as ‘abuse of power’ and ‘retaliation’ for Atkinson’s role in the Ukraine-centered impeachment hearings.
ICIG firing is nothing but delayed retaliation taken against independent IG, one who was appointed by President Trump, for proper handling of #whistleblower complaint. Action is disgraceful & undermines integrity of #WBer system. GOP Members must speak out against President. https://t.co/p8SE4aBE5j
— Mark S. Zaid (@MarkSZaidEsq) April 4, 2020
Michael Atkinson is a man of integrity who has served our nation for almost two decades. Being fired for having the courage to speak truth to power makes him a patriot. https://t.co/Gl3JtewXL0
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 4, 2020
Trump will put forth a nominee for the position ‘at a later date.’
- Dr E
