Outgoing Inspector General Speaks out About His Removal

Outgoing intelligence community inspector general Michael Atkinson is speaking out about his late-night firing by the president on Friday.

Atkinson — who previously alerted Congress about a whistleblower complaint, which sparked the president’s impeachment — released a statement on Sunday evening to reporters where he shed light on his side of the story.

The whistleblower alleged Trump was looking for dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden from Ukraine’s president. The complaint also alleged Trump withheld U.S. security aid in doing so.

Atkinson believes the president disapproves of his fair handling of the complaint.

“It is hard not to think that the President’s loss of confidence in me derives from my having faithfully discharged my legal obligations as an independent and impartial Inspector General, and from my commitment to continue to do so,” Atkinson said.

In the letter, Atkinson also explained his role as inspector general, noting that he was obligated to serve as an outlet for whistleblowers to disclose urgent matters.

“As an Inspector General, I was legally obligated to ensure that whistleblowers had an effective and authorized means to disclose urgent matters involving classified information to the congressional intelligence committees and that when they did blow the whistle in an authorized manner, their identities would be protected as a guard against reprisals. Inspectors General are able to fulfill their critical watchdog functions because, by law, they are supposed to be independent of both the Executive agencies they oversee and of Congress.”

Although Trump disapproved of Atkinson’s stance despite him doing his job, he admitted that he is appreciative of those who spoke publicly in support of his decision.