Former Small Business Administration Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware said he is conducting his own investigation into whether President Trump's actions constitute a threat to democracy.
Ware, along with other inspector generals, was fired by President Trump on Friday. Late-night firings could violate federal law, which requires the president to notify Congress 30 days in advance of his intention to fire the IG, and makes it difficult for the government to act without an independent internal body. There are also concerns about what this means. watch dogs.
“We're looking at what constitutes a threat to democracy, a threat to independent oversight, and a threat to government transparency.” Ware said on MSNBC on Monday.
Ware, who was appointed during Trump's first term, said the 30-day notice to Congress is an “important step to protect” the inspector general's independence. He emphasized the Inspector General Act of 1978 and its protections for oversight agencies.
“I cannot decide not to follow that part of the IG law, but I will follow the part that gives the IG full and unfettered access to all agencies, records and personnel,” he said. He later added, “The Inspector General Act may as well not exist.''
Weah claimed the president removed people who were not aligned with his mission.
U.S. Inspector General Michael Horowitz, who works for the Justice Department, was spared firing.
“For years, we have been considered nonpartisan and apolitical,” Ware said. “What's happening now is historic in that it's never happened before.”
