An influential House Democrat is trying to preempt any effort by President-elect Donald Trump to oust the in-house watchdogs at agencies across the federal government.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee who is gunning for the same position on the House Judiciary Committee, sent letters Thursday to 32 inspectors general assuring them of his support. He also asked them to reach out if Trump or his allies make any effort to interfere with or replace them.
“I write to emphasize our unequivocal support for your leadership as an inspector general, which is more important now than ever,” Raskin wrote in the letters, which were obtained by POLITICO. “Although the transition from one administration to the next can bring change and uncertainty, Congress designed your role as an inspector general to be insulated from shifts in politics and priorities that often accompany changes in administrations.”
Some Trump backers have urged the president-elect to remove the watchdogs across the government and install his own picks, although prominent allies of the inspectors general have cautionedagainst such steps. Raskin also warned against such moves in his letters.
“I invite all inspectors general to contact my office if your independence is undermined or if you are being pressured or threatened with removal in any way, including if anyone falsely suggests that your position is temporary,” Raskin wrote.
One inspector general omitted from the barrage of supportive letters Raskin sent Thursday: Joseph Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security. In October, Raskin called on President Joe Biden to remove the Trump-appointed Cuffari following an investigation that concluded Cuffari gave misleading answers to Congress and wasted taxpayer funds. He has denied wrongdoing.
