The unusual disclosures from two inspectors general at U.S. spy agencies that they are leaving their posts before Inauguration Day are raising concerns among some lawmakers about the independence that national security watchdogs will have in Donald Trump’s second term.
Thomas Monheim, the IG at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, is resigning. Robin Ashton, the CIA IG, is retiring. While both of their departure dates are set before Trump is sworn in, neither official has publicly cited Trump’s arrival to explain the decision.
Both Monheim and Ashton were nominated by President Joe Biden. Their departures were disclosed earlier this week by the Project on Government Oversight and were subsequently confirmed by CQ Roll Call.
