Top Republican moves to block 2 Trump nominees to force an explanation of the inspectors general purge

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Ioaw, despite typically being a steadfast defender of President Donald Trump, has demanded an explanation for the president's recent purge of inspectors general. And on Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee chair announced that — in order to back up his demands — he will block two Trump nominees until he receives satisfactory explanations for the recent firings of Intelligence Inspector General Michael Atkinson and State Department Inspector General Steve Linick.

The nominees Grassley is refusing to advance are Christopher C. Miller, nominated for director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Michael Billingslea, nominated for undersecretary of arms control and international security at the U.S. State Department.

On Twitter, Grassley posted: “Im placing holds on 2 Trump Admin noms until I get reasons 4firing 2 agency watchdogs as required by law Not 1st time ive raised alarm when admins flout IG protection law Obama did same& got same earfull from me All I want is a reason 4 firing these ppl CHECKS&BALANCES.”

Journalist Sam Stein, in response to Grassley’s announcement, tweeted, “WELL NOW — Grassley shows some spine. Is holding up Trump nominees until he gets answers on the firings of IGs.”