Analysis: Inspector general fired by Trump sends a warning signal for American democracy
to Congress has flown somewhat beneath the radar. Such is the case when you’re dealing with a global pandemic and the White House conveniently announces something late Friday night.
But Atkinson doesn’t seem to want people to miss the point here: That this is part of an effort to undermine independent oversight of the Trump administration.— unusual because inspectors general generally don’t comment on such things. He assured that he is a nonpartisan official and carried out his duties independently. And he said he believed that’s exactly why he was fired.
Finally, a message for any government employee or contractor who believes they have learned of or observed unethical, wasteful, or illegal behavior in the federal government. The American people deserve an honest and effective government. They are counting on you to use authorized channels to bravely speak up — there is no disgrace in doing so.
It’s abundantly clear what Atkinson is saying here. He’s pointing to the concerted effort from Trump and his allies to attack the whistleblower — and perhaps now to his own firing — as evidence of a campaign to stifle internal dissent. The cumulative effect, even if you believe it’s somehow unintentional, is to discourage future whistleblowers and witnesses against the president. Trump also recently fired key impeachment witnesses Lt. Col.
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