Trump Removes Government Ethics Chief Amid Wave of Accountability Firings

David Huitema, recently confirmed as the Office of Government Ethics director, was dismissed as critics warn of a broader effort to eliminate oversight.

President Donald Trump has fired David Huitema, head of the Office of Government Ethics, just months after his Senate confirmation to a five-year term.
The firing follows Trump's recent removal of 17 inspectors general and other accountability officials, raising concerns among watchdog groups and lawmakers.
Critics argue the dismissals aim to weaken checks on conflicts of interest and ethics enforcement in the executive branch.
The Office of Government Ethics oversees financial disclosures and ethics compliance for executive branch officials, a role seen as critical for transparency.
The move has drawn bipartisan criticism, with some warning it signals a broader shift toward reducing oversight of government operations.