Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) has acknowledged that the firing of AmeriCorps Inspector General Gerald Walpin was legitimate earlier this morning. Her statement, made on Twitter, represents a reversal of her earlier criticism of the Obama administration’s dismissal of Walpin.
Late last night, Missouri political reporter Dave Catanese asked McCaskill via Twitter:
@clairecmc Does the WH letter re: IG firing answer your concerns about the legality?
According to multiple sources, the White House’s letter issued Tuesday explained that Walpin was fired due to his recent erratic behavior.
@davecatanese The letter from the White House late yesterday is certainly compliance with the law as to reason for removal.
Then:
Strong substantive reasons stated for the IG Walpin’s removal yesterday. Request for invest into his conduct came from R appointed US atty.
Prior to letter delivered yesterday the WH had not followed the right procedure under the law. That letter did follow the law’s requiremnts.
On Saturday, Twitter Room reported that McCaskill had yet to decide her stance on the Walpin firing. This week, she alleged that the White House broke federal laws protecting the independence of Inspectors General by firing Walpin.
McCaskill has yet to issue a full statement on the firing, though Fox News’ Major Garrett tweeted a request for one after she made her informal statement.