‘Unprecedented misconduct’: Top Democrats call for removal of Trump era inspector general

Accused of misleading Congress, abusing his powers and being an “embarrassment to the inspector general community,” two Democratic congressmen are demanding the removal of the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security for his “extensive and shocking record of misconduct.”

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) called for Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to be removed from office a day after a damning report detailed multiple instances of misconduct, including his waste of millions of dollars in taxpayer money.

“DHS Inspector General Cuffari misled Congress during his confirmation to become an inspector general and, after becoming an inspector general, once again misled Congress and proceeded to blatantly abuse his powers and waste millions in taxpayer dollars,” the two ranking members of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability said in a statement Thursday.

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Raskin and Thompson said the yearslong investigation that uncovered shocking instances of Cuffari’s wrongdoing was exacerbated by his repeated obstruction of oversight efforts.

“Not only did he fail to fully and meaningfully comply with our investigation—he actively worked to undermine and thwart it,” their statement said. “Inspector General Cuffari's actions are an outrageous affront and embarrassment to the inspector general community and have undermined the reputation of the entire DHS Office of Inspector General.”

The two congressmen called on President Joe Biden to remove Cuffari, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2019. The inspector general is responsible for conducting audits of DHS management and financial operations, according to the department, among other duties.