Calls for Resignation of DHS Inspector General

By Moira Warburton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two prominent Democrats in the U.S. Congress have urged the resignation of the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog, following a nonpartisan report accusing him of misconduct and obstruction.

DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari has compromised public trust and is not fit for his role, stated Representative Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, and Representative Bennie Thompson, senior Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, in a joint statement.

The independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency reported that Cuffari, appointed by Republican President Donald Trump in 2019, lied to Congress about past investigations into his misconduct and misused $1.4 million in taxpayer funding for personal retaliation investigations against former senior staff.

In response, Republican House Oversight Chairman James Comer criticized the oversight council (CIGIE) for the prolonged investigation and raised concerns regarding due process safeguards. He noted that the committee requested a review of CIGIE’s processes by the Government Oversight Committee.

Comer stated, “The Committee will continue to review the entire report, and we anticipate further discussions.”

The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment.

The role of the inspector general is crucial for preventing fraud and misconduct in government, with the U.S. government employing 72 inspectors general.