Trump also fired the IG investigating Elaine Chow. Moscow Mitch has already vetted a replacement

[CousinIT]

https://www.citizensforethics.org/trump-removed-watchdog-investigating-elaine-chao-mcconnell-vetted-replacement/

In yet another assault on checks and balances, President Trump abruptly removed the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) independent watchdog late Friday – the same night he announced plans to fire the State Department Inspector General (IG). At DOT, the acting IG was overseeing a high profile investigation of Secretary Chao’s alleged favoritism benefiting her husband Senator Mitch McConnell’s political prospects, but has now been replaced with a political appointee from within the agency. The acting IG’s ouster calls into question the future of the Chao-McConnell investigation, other critical oversight, and whether the watchdog was dismissed for unearthing damaging information.

This move is the latest salvo of Trump’s assault on oversight. And it looks like the President made sure to cover all his bases to block accountability, not only nominating an IG to succeed the experienced watchdog who held the post, but also demoting the acting IG who was investigating Chao, and installing a political appointee to serve in his place while the Senate considers a permanent replacement. To make matters worse, Trump’s pick to be the new acting IG, Howard “Skip” Elliott, already has a job overseeing the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), an office he will now also be in charge of policing.

Trump’s decision to sideline DOT acting IG Mitch Behm (who has 17 years of experience with OIG) was lost in the shuffle of outrage following the announcement that Trump planned to fire the State Department IG, but potential conflicts of interest abound. The most high profile is the DOT OIG’s review of allegations that Secretary Chao gave Senator McConnell’s constituents special treatment and helped steer millions of federal dollars to Kentucky as he is facing low approval ratings and a tough reelection bid.

[scarletwoman]

1. K&R for visibility. (nt)

[Frustratedlady]

2. To me, their fear of allowing this to proceed means all must be guilty or heavily questionable.

This should outrage Congress enough to get hearings going asap. What could they (all under investigation) possibly have expected when Trump fired or reassigned IGs? It scares the bejeebers out of me regarding what they have been pulling behind the curtain?

It looks like DeSantis may be pulling the same tricks in Florida. He had a good teacher.

[theaocp]

3. I wish ill upon all of them.

A righteous and motherfucking JUST pox. Ptui!

[spanone]

5. IT'S A CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE...TOP TO BOTTOM

Without Oversight, they will further Loot the Treasury.

Our Democracy is Close to Gone

[erronis]

6. Vlad's revenge is unfolding. Just as his USSR is collapsing under cronyism, he is bringing down his

arch-enemy.

Of course, China may be the last large power standing. And we'll see how benevolent they may be. In reality they are probably better than the (r)epuglicon disaster in the US and the oligarch disaster in the ex-USSR.

[Hulk]

7. Hurry up January .... he's killing us.

Still a long time away 😰

[Ilsa]

8. K&R. nt

[3catwoman3]

9. Ain't THAT...

...a surprise. (just in case there was any doubt.