Management
U.S. Foreign Aid Agency Defends Political Appointees Who Wrote Anti-LGBT, Anti-Islam Posts
The statement from acting administrator John Barsa comes after ProPublica reported that Merritt Corrigan, who has condemned the “tyrannical LGBT agenda,” was appointed as USAID’s new deputy White House liaison.
Oversight
Watchdog Groups Highlight Potential Issues of Acting IGs Holding Dual Roles
In “today’s highly partisan environment” this setup could “understandably raise questions and create unease” in both the IG office and the agency where the official holds an executive job, said experts.
Management
New Trump Appointee to Foreign Aid Agency Has Denounced Liberal Democracy and 'Our Homo-Empire'
Merritt Corrigan, USAID’s new deputy White House liaison, has condemned the “tyrannical LGBT agenda” and celebrated Hungary’s right-wing prime minister as “the shining champion of Western civilization.”
Oversight
Republican Senator Holds Up Nominations While Awaiting IG Firing Explanations
The positions now in limbo are National Counterterrorism Center director and State Department undersecretary for arms control and international security.
Management
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Buddy Used His 'Shadow' Sway Over the VA to Promote His Comic Book Empire
Marvel chief Ike Perlmutter arranged for comic book characters to ring the NYSE closing bell with the VA secretary in 2017, according to a new government audit. Perlmutter has denied benefiting from his role as an informal adviser to President Trump.
Defense
Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear
Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.
Defense
Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change
After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.
Defense
James Mattis Denounces Trump as a Threat to the Constitution
In an extraordinary condemnation, the former defense secretary backs protesters and says the president is trying to turn Americans against one another.
Management
Contractors for Trump’s Controversial $3 Billion Food Aid Program Have Hired a Longtime Lobbyist to Tout Their Work
Lawmakers are asking why some federal contractors in Trump’s food aid program apparently lack qualifications to deliver the goods. Companies hired a consultant to tell positive stories.
Defense
Can the President Really Order the Military to Occupy U.S. Cities and States?
President Trump has warned that he will send the military into states to curb protests. Is Trump’s warning bluster? Or does the president have the authority to send the military into American cities?
Defense
Pentagon Says Guard Did Not Tear-Gas Protesters; Downplays Role In Militarized Response
A senior official also said the secretary of Defense was unaware of the plan to clear a public park for a Trump photo op.
Defense
Trump, GOP Allies Reach For Military Response To Domestic Protests
In startling language, Defense Secretary Mark Esper referred to American streets as “the battlespace.”
Management
Analysis: The Justice Department Has Had to Twist Itself in Knots to Defend Trump on Emoluments
For decades, the department has interpreted the Constitution to err on the side of country first. Now all that has changed.
Management
Revenge of the Obamacrats
Obama’s top environmental official wanted nothing to do with politics after leaving the government. What did it take to bring her back?
Oversight
Analysis: Congress May Not Like It When Trump Fires An Inspector General – But It Can’t Do Anything To Stop Him
President Trump isn't the first president to get rid of inspectors general. He is the first to assert that inspectors general investigations into his administration's actions are unconstitutional.
Defense
Senate Intel Panel Advances Ratcliffe Nomination In Party-Line Vote
The former Texas prosecutor is a deeply controversial pick for the nation’s top spy.
Defense
Fired State IG Was Investigating Saudi Arms Sale
A key House Democrat says that might be why he was fired.
Oversight
Trump’s Decision to Fire the State Department’s Watchdog Draws Bipartisan Concern on Capitol Hill
Some Republicans say the president failed to provide an adequate justification to Congress.
Management
Trump Administration Details Efforts to Support Peaceful Presidential Transition
Watchdog group points to “significant ethics problems” among some of the White House Transition Coordinating Council members.
Defense