Fired intelligence community watchdog breaks silence

Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community watchdog who handled the whistleblower complaint that led to President Trump's impeachment, issued a two-page statement on his removal from the role Sunday night. In the statement, Atkinson said he had"faithfully discharged" his duties as inspector general and spent his nearly two-decade career serving"without regard to partisan favor or political fear.

Atkinson wrote that he was"legally obligated" to make sure whistleblowers had confidentiality and were protected from reprisal. He also issued an appeal to other would-be whistleblowers working for the federal government. During a coronavirus task force briefing Saturday, Mr. Trump said that he knew the identity of the whistleblower and implied it was not a secret. He also insisted that, as president, he had the"absolute right" to fire Atkinson, saying"I thought he did a terrible job" and calling him"a disgrace."

Although by statute, Mr. Atkinson was to have served an additional 30 days after Congress was notified of his removal, he was instead placed on immediate administrative leave, according to a source familiar with the matter. According to the transcript of the call that was later released, the whistleblower said,"I have received information from multiple U.S. Government officials that the President of the United States is using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. election. This interference includes, among other things, pressuring a foreign country to investigate one of the President's main domestic political rivals.

Atkinson's removal is the latest in a series of ousters at the top of the intelligence community ranks, most of which have been concentrated within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. In February, Maguire was replaced by the current acting director, Richard Grenell, who serves concurrently as Ambassador to Germany. Maguire's then-second in command, career CIA official Andrew Hallman, was also removed.

Is he doing the Mooch Scaramucci Not fair. Smear

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Atkinson: Trump fired me because I handled whistleblower complaint properlyIntelligence community watchdog Michael Atkinson said he believes the president ousted him because of his evenhanded handling of the Ukraine whistleblower complaint What an insane lack of insight! NO, President Trump ousted him because he changed the whistleblower rules, then evenhandedly followed the new rules that let the Democrats run wild with their shit show. That’s why. You don't say?
Source: politico - 🏆 381. / 59 Read more »

Navy captain fired after writing letter asking for coronavirus help has reportedly tested positiveCapt. Brett Crozier began to show symptoms of COVID-19 before he was removed from the USS Theodore Roosevelt, The New York Times reported. He should meet with Trump ASAP. This is a shame We knew something was wrong with him
Source: CNBC - 🏆 12. / 72 Read more »

Trump calls fired watchdog in impeachment probe a 'disgrace'President Trump's firing of the inspector general who handled a whistleblower's complaint that sparked his impeachment is part of a larger shakeup of the intelligence community under Trump, who has always viewed intelligence professionals with skepticism. DRAIN THE SWAMP! DrainTheDeepStateSwamp Rightfully so. This is what criminals do, get rid of the people keeping an eye on you. Duh!
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »

Theodore Roosevelt's great-grandson calls fired Navy Capt. Crozier 'a hero' in op-edPresident Theodore Roosevelt's great-grandson called the fired Navy Captain'a hero' for standing up for the crew. He is - as opposed to the vengeful treasonous coward that had him fired. Insubordination can not be tolerated in our military... especially for those in leadership positions. This turd deserves to be dishonorably discharged immediately. you should hear what his MaMa said
Source: USATODAY - 🏆 100. / 63 Read more »