SCOOP: The internal State Department watchdog who Trump installed after the abrupt firing of the previous IG has resigned, per internal document, marking another significant shakeup for an office sworn to root out malfeasance and wrong doing washingtonpost.com/national-secur…
Stephen Akard’s departure, which will be effective Friday, was announced to staff by his deputy, Diana Shaw, who told colleagues she would temporarily become the acting inspector general in his stead.
Akard inherited the IG’s office after it became mired in controversy following the firing of IG Stephen Linick at Pompeo’s request. The decision prompted criticisms given that Linick had been investigating allegations into Pompeo and his wife Susan, and other issues
Recently, Akard promised to recuse himself from ongoing investigations into Pompeo and his wife following pressure from congressional Democrats who have questioned whether Pompeo pushed for Linick’s ouster in order to bury the investigations. Pompeo has denied those allegations
👀 This line from the incoming acting IG telling colleagues that the acting IG just resigned: “I’m afraid I don’t have any more information at this time.”
the email announcing that Akard has resigned (both as inspector general and the head of the Office of Foreign Missions) says “I hope you will join me in wishing him well... P.S. ... I’d ask you to please not share this information“
The Menendez take: “I do not believe [the IG] was the right choice to lead the office, but I am concerned that his sudden resignation leaves another opportunity for the Trump Administration to try to weaken oversight and accountability.”
“The ongoing bicameral investigation into the abrupt and unexplained dismissal of IG Linick will continue full speed ahead.”
Pompeo quickly dismissed a question about Akard’s departure, saying “He left to go back home. This happens. I don’t have anything more to add to that.”
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