In a letter delivered to intelligence committees of both the Senate and House Friday evening, President Trump announced his decision to "remove from office the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, effective 30 days from today."
Inspector General Michael Atkinson was responsible for apprising Congress of a phone call President Trump had with the president of Ukraine — a decision that led to the president's impeachment at the end of 2019.
President Trump's letter stated he no longer had the "fullest confidence" in the Inspector General.
"As is the case with regard to other positions where I, as president, have the power of appointment, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, it is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general. That is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general."
The president's actions received stern disapproval from several leading Democrats, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
