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State Dept. Discouraged Probe of Saudi Arms Sale, Fired US Official Says

Reuters

   WASHINGTON - A U.S. State Department inspector general fired by
   President Donald Trump told lawmakers the department discouraged him
   from investigating arms sales to Saudi Arabia before he was dismissed
   last month, according to a transcript released Wednesday.

   The inspector general, Steve Linick, was fired on May 15, the latest in
   a series of government watchdogs dismissed by the president. Members of
   Congress, including some of Trump's fellow Republicans as well as
   Democrats, are concerned that the dismissals will prevent adequate
   oversight of the government.

   House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said Linick's
   dismissal might have been illegal.

   Democrats launched an investigation, including an interview of Linick
   on June 3 by members and staff of three House and Senate committees.

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