Trump Firing IG Who Flagged Complaint That Triggered Impeachment | The 11th Hour | MSNBC In this video, Robert Costa discusses the significance of President Donald Trump's decision to fire Inspector General Michael Atkinson, who played a pivotal role in the impeachment inquiry. Atkinson was the inspector general for the intelligence community, appointed by Trump himself. He gained notoriety for flagging the whistleblower complaint concerning Trump's controversial call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which ultimately led to the impeachment inquiry. Costa highlights that Atkinson was seen as adhering strictly to the rules and ensuring that Congress was informed about the whistleblower complaint, despite pressure from various administration officials to handle the matter quietly. This action positioned him as a central figure in lighting the "fire of impeachment," as noted by Costa. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the broader implications of this firing, suggesting that it was a form of score-settling by Trump amidst challenging circumstances. Trump's perspective towards Atkinson reflected his disdain for officials who protect whistleblowers, indicating a stark contrast to the norms of transparency in the government.
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