All articles tagged with #inspector general
A complaint has been filed alleging ethics violations related to Kelly Madigan's appointment as Howard County's first inspector general, involving potential conflicts of interest and improper influence in the selection process.
A Pentagon watchdog report found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked U.S. forces' safety by sharing sensitive military information on the Signal app, but the Pentagon claims he was exonerated and no classified information was shared.
An internal memo reveals that Tulsi Gabbard personally informed the DNI's office about the firing of a deputy, contradicting claims that she acted without approval, amidst ongoing disputes over politicization and management issues within the intelligence community's watchdog office.
A Justice Department inspector general report highlights some FBI missteps in handling intelligence before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, despite sharing gathered intelligence with law enforcement agencies. The report notes that the FBI had informants among groups like the Proud Boys but failed to relay crucial information to its Washington office. It also debunks claims that FBI agents participated in the riot. Recommendations include improving intelligence processes and ensuring better information sharing. The FBI disagrees with some findings, emphasizing its supporting role in security for the event.
A Justice Department watchdog report found no evidence that the FBI deployed undercover agents or encouraged illegal behavior during the January 6 Capitol riot, countering conspiracy theories that law enforcement instigated the violence. The report by Inspector General Michael Horowitz noted that while 26 informants were present, none were directed to break the law or incite others. The FBI was criticized for not adequately canvassing its sources beforehand to assess potential violence. The report also highlighted false claims by the FBI about pre-riot threat assessments and ongoing reviews of DOJ actions during the Trump administration.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough admitted to "massive mistakes" in awarding nearly $11 million in improper bonuses to ineligible executives, as revealed by a VA inspector general report. McDonough has recouped 92% of the bonuses and implemented new procedures to prevent future errors. Despite calls for firings, McDonough defended his team, taking personal responsibility for the oversight. The VA continues to justify bonuses for field executives as necessary retention incentives.
The inspector general for the General Services Administration (GSA) is investigating the decision to build a new FBI headquarters in Maryland instead of Virginia. The selection process has been marred by allegations of conflict of interest and political influence. Virginia lawmakers have called for a pause in the relocation until the review is complete, while Maryland lawmakers maintain that their state was chosen based on the best site. The GSA defends its decision, citing lower costs and easy access to transit. The review will evaluate the agency's process and procedures for selecting the site.
The Office of Inspector General for the General Service Administration (GSA) is launching an investigation into the agency's site selection process for the new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland. The selection has faced criticism from Virginia's congressional delegation, who accused the administration of allowing politics to influence the decision. The GSA has welcomed the review and defended the selection, stating that it followed the required process. FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concern about a potential conflict of interest in the selection process. Virginia lawmakers have applauded the investigation and called for a pause in relocation activities until it is complete.
The Inspector General for the General Services Administration is launching an investigation into the decision to relocate the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt, Maryland, instead of Virginia. Virginia lawmakers have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and political influence in the selection process. The review will evaluate the GSA's procedures and share any resulting report. The FBI Director had previously expressed concerns about a potential conflict of interest in the site selection. Maryland and Virginia have been competing to host the new FBI headquarters.
The Justice Department's inspector general found no evidence that former President Donald Trump improperly pressured the FBI to rebuild its headquarters on its current site, according to a report. The investigation began after concerns were raised over the bureau's decision to scrap plans for a new suburban campus. Investigators determined that the decision was likely motivated by funding and logistical issues, not by Trump's personal intervention to protect his property. FBI witnesses confirmed that the decision was not influenced by Trump or the White House. However, it was noted that Trump had expressed a clear desire for the FBI to stay at its current location.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Inspector General, Teri Donaldson, has warned that the Biden administration's $400 billion green energy loan program is at risk of abuse and lacks proper management. Donaldson expressed concerns about the potential for federal green energy awards to be given to entities with foreign entanglements that may go undetected. She also highlighted the lack of clear procedures and criteria for vetting projects. The Inspector General's warning follows a joint report by Republican lawmakers, which criticized the Inflation Reduction Act for increasing national debt, benefiting Chinese industry, and lacking safeguards to prevent misuse of taxpayer dollars.
NASA's inspector general, Paul Martin, has released a report stating that the cost of building the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is likely to increase, contradicting NASA's cost-reduction plan. The current estimate to build a single SLS rocket is $2.2 billion, and NASA's goal to achieve a 50% cost reduction is deemed highly unrealistic. The main issue lies in the extremely high costs of the SLS rocket, particularly the four main engines, which cost $582.7 million in total. Martin emphasizes the importance of achieving affordability goals to ensure the sustainability of NASA's deep space exploration efforts.
The USPS inspector general has criticized the agency's incomplete and insufficient plans to address the increasing incidents of mail theft across the country. The USPS's initiative, Project Safe Delivery, lacks milestones and timelines, leading to few concrete results. Surges of personnel in high-risk areas resulted in only three arrests and 277 recovered mail pieces. USPS is replacing "arrow" keys with electronic alternatives and deploying high-security mailboxes, but these efforts are limited due to funding constraints. The agency has not finalized an overall plan to address mail theft and is urged to develop a comprehensive strategy with costs, timelines, and metrics. The Postal Inspection Service is also called upon to finalize its mail theft strategic plan.
The State Department's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is investigating the suspension of a top diplomat's security clearance, which could lead to a formal investigation. Rob Malley, who previously led the Biden administration's efforts to restart a nuclear deal with Iran, had his clearance suspended on April 22 for unknown reasons. The OIG's review was prompted by a letter from Republican senators, and the FBI is also conducting its own investigation. Congressional Republicans are seeking more information about the suspension, and State Department officials have provided limited details, citing the Privacy Act. Malley has not been informed of the reasons for his clearance suspension.
US Senators Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren have requested salary information from the Federal Reserve's inspector general, Mark Bialek, in an effort to make the role more independent. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest, as Bialek's salary is tied to the compensation of the Fed officials he investigates. The senators propose appointing the inspector general through presidential appointment and Senate confirmation. The request comes as Congress seeks tighter oversight of banking regulators following recent bank failures. Bialek has faced criticism for his handling of a securities trading scandal, but he has defended his agency's independence and investigative capabilities.