"A Trump political appointee previously working at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will soon take over as the head inspector general (IG) overseeing investigations at the Interior Department, according to an internal email obtained by The Hill.
Suzanne Israel Tufts will take over as acting inspector general for the Interior Department, according to an email sent from HUD Secretary Ben Carson to staff last Friday.
Tufts was confirmed by the Senate last December to serve as an assistant HUD secretary. In the role, she reportedly also took over the job of chief administrative officer — a role previously held by career HUD employee Helen Foster. Foster told outlets in February that she was demoted from the role when she refused to sign off on Carson’s extravagant office redecorations after noting the congressional limit was $5,000. Carson in March faced criticism over reports that he ordered a $31,000 dining set, which he later canceled."
Miranda Green reports for The Hill October 16, 2018.
SEE ALSO:
"Ryan Zinke Has Fired the DOI Inspector General" (Outside)
"Interior: Surprising Watchdog Takes Over IG's Office" (E&E News PM)
"HUD Political Appointee To Lead Probes of Zinke" (Politico)
"White House Moves To Replace Interior Department IG Amid Probe of Secretary Ryan Zinke" (NBC News)
"HUD Political Appointee Poised To Lead Interior Dept. Inspector General's Office" (CNN)
