Ex-White House Official Nominated as Interior Department Watchdog

President Trump has put forward the nomination of Dennis Kirk to serve as the Interior Department’s inspector general. Kirk, who was involved in the conservative Project 2025 policy blueprint, previously held a position in the White House Office of Personnel Management during Trump’s first administration.

Former inspector general of the Interior Department, Mark Greenblatt, expressed concerns about Kirk’s nomination. Greenblatt suggests that having someone with evident political ties in such a role could undermine the impartiality of investigations and endanger whistleblowers.

“The chilling effect on whistleblowers is real,” stated Greenblatt. “Who would jeopardize their careers by submitting a complaint about an administration official to an IG who is avowedly aligned with the administration?”

Greenblatt also raised concerns about the impact on the inspector general office staff, questioning if auditors would hesitate to report negative findings due to fear of repercussions.

Previously, Kirk held a position within a watchdog office for the intelligence community. His new appointment comes as the Interior Department faces scrutiny over Trump’s projects in D.C., like the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

For more detailed information, visit TheHill.com.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter. I’m Rachel Frazin, bringing you updates on policies affecting sectors like oil, gas, and new supply chains.

Essential Reads

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• The Senate has confirmed Trump’s appointee for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, criticized for its disaster response and funding issues.
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• U.S. crude oil supplies hit a 45-year low amid ongoing issues linked to the Iran conflict, affecting strategic reserves.

What We’re Reading

Other noteworthy stories from various sources include:

• Jeanine Pirro’s criticism of Doug Burgum. Interior staff have been discontent with him for months (Politico).
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What Others are Reading

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