Posted on 04/06/2020 1:40:32 PM PDT by LibWhacker
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is breaking with President Trump's decision to fire Michael Atkinson, the inspector general for the intelligence community, saying his removal was "not warranted."
"While I recognize that the President has the authority to appoint and remove Inspectors General, I believe Inspector General Atkinson served the intelligence community and the American people well, and his removal was not warranted," she said in a statement over the weekend.
Collins noted that by giving the heads of the House and Senate Intelligence committees a 30-day notification that he was removing Atkinson, Trump followed a 2008 law on inspectors general that she co-authored. But the senator, who is facing a tough reelection race in the fall, added that she didn't find Trump's "rationale" for firing Atkinson to be "persuasive."
Trump sent shockwaves through Washington when he announced on Friday night, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, that he was firing Atkinson, who had handled the whistleblower complaint related to Trump's actions toward Ukraine that sparked the House impeachment inquiry.
Trump defended the firing during a press conference on Saturday and called Atkinson a "disgrace" to inspectors general.
"I thought he did a terrible job. Absolutely terrible. He took a whistleblower report, which turned out to be a fake report ... and he brought it to Congress with an emergency," Trump told reporters at a White House briefing. "Not a big Trump fan, that I can tell you."
Atkinson, in a statement, said he believes Trump fired him for carrying out his "legal obligations."
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who has defended whistleblowers and authored whistleblower legislation, said "more details are needed from the administration." Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said it was Trump's "prerogative" to fire him but "I think we should get more detail."
She’s still trying to kiss up to Maine feminists for her Kavanaugh support. As long as she continues to come through when needed I can tolerate her ass-hattery. I’ve been assured from Maine friends that she’s the best GOP-wise you’re going to get from Maine.
Boy Susan Collins is one stupid lady!
Collins is providing evidence once again that the ongoing coup against POTUS and the MAGA agenda is 100% bipartisan in nature.
Shes still trying to kiss up to Maine feminists for her Kavanaugh support. As long as she continues to come through when needed I can tolerate her ass-hattery.
She’s needed right now. There is an ongoing coup against POTUS. The GOP Senate has steadfastly refused to use their Constitutional powers to engage it. That makes them just as guilty as the hoaxblower.
Thank Goodness this nitwit isn’t President. Let her go back to sleep.
Yup. Last I googled “President of the United States” the name “Susan Collins” did NOT come up.
Her whole career is unwarranted.
Susan Collins-R you spelled democrat wrong !!
Not the first time she has demonstrated she doesn’t know what’s in the Constitution.
Susan....go home...you are worthless as a Republican!
“Susan Collins: Firing of intelligence community watchdog ‘not warranted’
Firing of you potato face is.
Susan....go home...you are worthless as a Republican!
Shut up, Rino. You’re embarrassing yourself again.
Collins should have quit when the other Maine hag, Snowe, retired. Of course in their infinite ignorance they gave us King, perhaps the dumbest of the mostly dumb senators.
Hey Susan! I know you have a free speech right to criticize he president, but your comment is “not warranted.”
Atkinsons most recent former boss was a member of the anti-Trump group “Lawfare” and was on the Staff of Schumer’s committee.
He coordinated this illegal investigation (targeting someone outside the intel community, and accepting second hand information) with the committee.
This was a full on coup attempt. Under the old constitution, he would have been arrested and imprisoned.
This is Maine, brother. If she goes, there is indeed a liberal to take her place toot sweet. I dont like her either, but the alternative would be catastrophic.
“...served the intelligence community and the American people well, ...”
could Madam Senator, or anyone, spell out exactly what the IG did “well?”
Im in Maine and completely agree with your Maine friend. Its unfortunate. A real loser replaced Governor LePage too, were hurting for Republicans, hence Collins.
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