Glenn Fine Steps Down as DoD’s Principal Deputy IG

Glenn Fine, the principal deputy inspector general of the Department of Defense, left his post Tuesday, marking the latest movement in a series of government watchdog shakeups, which Democrats consider as part of President Donald Trump's plan to weaken government oversight.

Fine’s departure, effective June 1, follows his ejection from a special board that was tasked with overseeing the auditing of $2.2T worth of coronavirus economic relief package. 

Amid his resignation, Fine issued a statement on the importance of government watchdogs, noting that inspector generals serve as a key strength of the government, the Federal Times reported Tuesday. 

IGs provide independent oversight to ensure transparency in government operations, Fine said, particularly in implementing a system of checks and balances.

Fine’s resignation wraps up his nearly three-year tenure as the principal deputy IG of the DoD. His career as a government watchdog dates back to 2000, when he was appointed as IG of the Department of Justice. Additionally, he served as special counsel to the DOJ IG and director of the Special Investigations and Review Unit.  

Less than two weeks ago, Trump fired Steve Linick, the IG of the Department of State, who was mainly responsible for flagging political bias within the department’s management. Prior to Linick’s dismissal, Trump also removed Intelligence Community IG Michael Atkinson from office. Atkinson was known for forwarding a whistleblower to Congress, playing a pivotal role in the president’s impeachment in the House.