Steve Linick

US Democrats launch probe into ouster of State Dept watchdog

Congressional Democrats on May 16 launched a probe into President Donald Trump's "politically-motivated" dismissal of a government watchdog believed to have been investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The announcement came after Trump told House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi late on May 15 that he planned to dismiss State Department Inspector General Steve Linick.

Trump fires State Dept watchdog investigating Pompeo

A government watchdog fired suddenly by Donald Trump was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said a Democratic lawmaker who accused the president of committing a potentially illegal act of retribution.

The State Department confirmed the late on May 15 dismissal of Inspector General Steve Linick without giving a reason for his departure.