The Acting Inspector General of the United States Department of State has resigned — less than three months after President Donald Trump sacked his predecessor.
Stephen Akard (pictured), a close associate of Vice President Mike Pence, was installed in the watchdog role shortly after Mr Trump fired Steve Linick at the recommendation of Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo in May.
Mr Akard will be replaced temporarily by his deputy, Diana Shaw.
Diplomatic sources said Mr Akard’s abrupt exit underscores heightened levels of politicisation, turmoil, and dysfunction in the State Department, beginning under former Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson and continuing under Mr Pompeo.
Some officials said it also had a chilling effect on employees’ willingness to come forward with evidence of wrongdoing or abuse.
“The system is broken. The work of the Inspector General has been made so political that it’s no longer safe for anyone to come forward, especially with allegations against political appointees,” one State Department official said.
“It is clear that the leadership of the Department is sidestepping the [Inspector General] and is not looking out for the best interest of the Department, but instead a select few at the top,” they said.
The Inspector General’s Office has drawn criticism from senior Administration officials for allegedly leaking sensitive information to the media and for pursuing investigations into allegations that Mr Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, were misusing State Department resources for personal gain.
Asked for comment, a State Department spokesperson said Mr Akard had announced he was returning to the private sector after years of public service.
“We appreciate his dedication to the Department and to our country,” the spokesperson said.
Washington, 8 August 2020
