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Judi Lynn

(160,515 posts)

16. Trump fires watchdog who handled Ukraine complaint

Sat Apr 4, 2020, 09:28 AM

Apr 2020

President Donald Trump has fired Michael Atkinson, the inspector general for the intelligence community who handled the whistleblower complaint that triggered his impeachment
By
MARY CLARE JALONICK and DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press
April 4, 2020, 1:04 AM
5 min read

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Friday abruptly fired the inspector general of the intelligence community, sidelining an independent watchdog who played a pivotal role in his impeachment even as his White House struggled with the deepening coronavirus pandemic.

Trump informed the Senate intelligence committee late Friday of his decision to fire Michael Atkinson, according to a letter obtained by The Associated Press. Atkinson handled the whistleblower complaint that triggered Trump’s impeachment last year.

Atkinson's firing, which is part of a shakeup of the intelligence community under Trump, thrusts the president's impeachment back into the spotlight as his administration deals with the deadly spread of coronavirus. As Trump was removing Atkinson, the number of U.S. deaths due to the virus topped 7,000.

Trump said in the letter that it is “vital” that he has confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general, and “that is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general.”

More:
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-fires-watchdog-handled-ukraine-complaint-69972877

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26 replies

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Trump to Fire Intelligence Watchdog Who Had Key Role in Ukraine Complaint [View all] Marcuse Apr 2020 OP

Should not be allowed to fire without cause. LiberalFighter Apr 2020 #1

Whistleblowers are protected by law. But what does the tRump-Barr criminal gang care about laws? Bernardo de La Paz Apr 2020 #12

He is just now getting around to that? Man, he has been distracted Under The Radar Apr 2020 #2

He waited until Congress was back home grantcart Apr 2020 #3

It's also a shot across the bow to public health officials who step too far away from his narrative. JudyM Apr 2020 #14

Why should the worst health and financial crisis BigmanPigman Apr 2020 #4

not just liberals, anyone with integrity mdbl Apr 2020 #13

No good deed goes unpunished under Trump Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Apr 2020 #5

Little jerk got this guy fired and an empathetic captain on the navy ship kimbutgar Apr 2020 #6

Need to put him in. Stocks in front of the WH until the buzzards pick his body clean. notdarkyet Apr 2020 #25

Anyone want to clue in Trump that he can be criminally charged for any criminal actions he cstanleytech Apr 2020 #7

and i hope whomever gets into power after him doesn't forget that responsibility mdbl Apr 2020 #15

...and, of course he won't name a replacement. LudwigPastorius Apr 2020 #8

Sort of Like How He Fired Pandemic Team TomCADem Apr 2020 #9

Well he is known as Donnie Smalls, and small is as small does...petty, vicious and mean. Ford_Prefect Apr 2020 #10

Dismantling the Rule of Law bucolic_frolic Apr 2020 #11

Trump fires watchdog who handled Ukraine complaint Judi Lynn Apr 2020 #16

'I, as president, have the power' Mc Mike Apr 2020 #17

Saw this last night on Last Word with Ali Velcher bluescribbler Apr 2020 #18

IG Atkinson is known throughout the Inspector General community for his integrity Gothmog Apr 2020 #19

beyond my understanding marieo1 Apr 2020 #20

Hey Trump here's some logic for you...................if you didn't do the crime you would never turbinetree Apr 2020 #21

The IGs serve at the pleasure of the president. That is the way it is. NCjack Apr 2020 #22

A very important story that's getting buried in the Coronavirus news SpankMe Apr 2020 #23

This message was self-deleted by its author geralmar Apr 2020 #24

His arrogance and his level of crimes are growing fast, whats next? duforsure Apr 2020 #26