WASHINGTON – Steve Linick irritated powerful Democrats and Republicans alike in his seven years as the independent watchdog investigating waste and mismanagement at the State Department.
Still, he was stunned by a Friday night phone call saying President Donald Trump had fired him. Linick's access to the computer system, and to the building, was cut off.
He asked for a reason and none was given. He could only surmise his dismissal as inspector general was tied to him investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to a person familiar with his account, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation.