EXCLUSIVE: ‘Knives Are Out’: Matt Gaetz Defends Trump-Appointed Gov Watchdog Following Calls For His Removal

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida came out in defense of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Joseph Cuffari in a Monday letter after an independent panel and several lawmakers called for his “politically convenient” removal.

Cuffari, whose investigations have been critical of the border crisis and security failures that led to the first assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump as well as the federal response to Hurricane Helene, has faced calls to resign after a Wednesday report from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) alleged that he “abused his power” during “retaliatory investigations” against former employees. Gaetz called this investigation’s timing “telling” and “gross,” saying that his removal “would look like a cover-up,” according to the letter obtained exclusively by the 🏢Daily Caller News Foundation.

“You have independent oversight over the nerve center of the D.C. swamp, and the knives are out for you,” Gaetz said in the letter. “I am very concerned that Vice President Harris and others who want to cover up the open border and the assassination attempts on former President Trump will be calling for your firing and privately leaning on President Biden to remove you.”