Pompeo confirms he has answered Qs in writing to OIG "some time earlier this year" for a "particular investigation," but he does not say which one. @ABC and others have reported it was into State's use of 'emergency' declaration to sell arms to Saudi Arabia, UAE.
That undermines his comment to @CMorelloWP Monday that IG's firing wasn't retaliation bc he doesn't know about any OIG probes. Despite that, he shifted goal posts today and maintained that argument, saying he didn't know scope, nature, or timeline of probe
He concludes w/ fierce attack on @SenatorMenendez, something he clearly prepared: "I don't get my ethics guidance from a man who has criminally prosecuted-- case number 15-155 in New Jersey federal district court."
He adds, "I'll continue to do the right thing to make sure that the State Dept is served by every employee, incl our internal" IG.
OIG operates independently, and all employees are required to "cooperate fully" with it, as Pompeo's fmr deputy once wrote: stateoig.gov/pressrelease11…
OIG operates independently, and all employees are required to "cooperate fully" with it, as Pompeo's fmr deputy once wrote: stateoig.gov/pressrelease11…
Important note: Pompeo still hasn't given reason for why he recommended Linick be fired—declined again today, but said it wasn't retaliation: "Unlike others, I don't talk about personnel matters. I don't leak to y'all," adding dept will share its rationale "w/the appropriate ppl"
Pompeo also conflated reported OIG probes to dismiss them as "crazy": "Someone was walking my dog to sell arms to my dry cleaner. I mean, it's all just crazy."
One was into his use of staffer for personal errands—other, into emergency arms sales.
One was into his use of staffer for personal errands—other, into emergency arms sales.
