Donald Trump

Trump Firing Inspector General Who Flagged Ukraine Whistleblower Complaint

The whistleblower complaint touched off a probe and testimony that resulted in President Trump's impeachment

Inspector General Michael Atkinson Appears Before House Permanent Select Committee On Intelligence For Closed Door Briefing
Pete Marovich/Getty Images

President Donald Trump has informed Congress that he is removing the inspector general who flagged the Ukraine whistleblower complaint, according to a letter obtained by NBC News.

“This is to advise you that I am exercising my power as President to remove from office the inspector general of the intelligence community,” the Trump letter to the leaders of the House and Senate intelligence committees says.

The letter also says "it is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as Inspectors General. That is no longer the case with this Inspector General." The firing is to take effect 30 days from Friday, according to the letter.

Inspector General Michael Atkinson deemed the complaint an "urgent concern" that he was required by law to provide to the congressional intelligence committees.

Read the full story on NBCNews.com.

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