Trump Ousts Pentagon IG Overseeing Pandemic Funds

The Washington Post reports:

Glenn Fine, the acting inspector general at the Defense Department, was dismissed from his acting position at the Pentagon, making him ineligible to be the watchdog over spending to counter the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Fine, a career official who will remain a deputy inspector general, had been chosen for the spending role by a committee of inspectors general. The move will be seen by some as another instance of the president chafing at independent oversight.

Trump has removed independent coronavirus watchdog Glenn Fine, upending the oversight panel just days in https://t.co/FkjIV3eWrS by @kyledcheney @connorobrienNH

— Maggie Severns (@MaggieSeverns) April 7, 2020

Explainer: The Pandemic relief bill calls for a council of Inspectors General to choose an **existing** IG to lead the pandemic oversight effort.

By removing Glenn Fine as Pentagon IG, it means that Fine cannot lead the pandemic oversight effort

— Tim Mak (@timkmak) April 7, 2020

Glenn Fine is one of the most experienced and respected IGs. His service goes back many years, for both parties. Not a partisan bone in his body.

Trump removes independent watchdog for coronavirus funds, upending oversight panel – POLITICO https://t.co/DB5MoYXvTs

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) April 7, 2020