Tag Archives: Stephen E. Biegun
So That’s Why @StateOIG Steve Linick Was Fired Urgently Under Cover of Darkness
State IG Steve Linick appeared before HFAC on June 3rd. You can read his prepared statement in the link below. There is also a summary of his congressional interview today. We understand that a transcript will be made available publicly at some point.
Politico reports:
“Linick also confirmed to lawmakers that he was investigating Pompeo and his wife for “allegations of misuse of government resources.” Linick revealed that he had sought documents from Pompeo’s executive secretary, Lisa Kenna, and discussed the probe with Bulatao and another senior State Department official, Stephen Biegun, to ensure that Pompeo’s inner circle “would not be surprised.” Pompeo later told The Washington Post that he was unaware of the investigation.”
The panel plans to seek interviews with the following current and former State Department officials. Dear HFAC, please have public hearings so we can see them earn points in their professional ethos scorecards.
- Under Secretary for Management Brian Bulatao (Pompeo BFF)
- Executive Secretary Lisa Kenna (Nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Peru)
- Senior Adviser Toni Porter
- Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs R. Clarke Cooper
- Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Marik String, Acting Legal Adviser
- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Political-Military Affairs Mike Miller
- Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Charles Faulkner
Related:
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@StateDept Officials Reportedly Wary of Acting IG Akard Who Also Reports to Pompeo BFF Bulatao.
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Trump to fire State/OIG Steve Linick who is reportedly investigating Pompeo
Fired State Dept inspector general Steve Linick’s opening statement to congressional investigators who are privately interviewing him today: pic.twitter.com/m2HTFKw0uW
— Nahal Toosi (@nahaltoosi) June 3, 2020
Took some doing to save the file, then blow it up, but the testimony is worth is. @Diplopundit https://t.co/eYCHKxMQYz
— Svetozar (@CountTilly) June 4, 2020
State Department IG Steve Linick who Trump fired confirms in interview with members of Congress his office was looking into two matters that directly touched on Pompeo’s conduct and that senior State Department officials were aware of his investigations pic.twitter.com/WrDBxLwNPD
— Jason Leopold (@JasonLeopold) June 4, 2020
Steve Linick, the ousted inspector general, says he wanted to ask the secretary of state about his role in an “emergency” arms sale to Saudi Arabiahttps://t.co/8DGMOoA7AI
— Robert Maguire (@RobertMaguire_) June 4, 2020
Steve Linick was stunned by the Friday phone call telling him he was fired as State Department IG.
He was denied access to his email and office. He asked for a reason and was given none, according to person familiar with his account.
W/@JonLemire https://t.co/TBvljUOiBJ
— Eric Tucker (@etuckerAP) June 3, 2020
Ousted State Department IG testifying before lawmakers probing Trump's decision to fire him https://t.co/XbjW45Rfi3 via @usatoday
— Deirdre Shesgreen (@dshesgreen) June 3, 2020
Administration officials said Trump fired the State Dept's inspector general this month because his office was suspected of leaking to the media — but an independent investigation earlier this year found Steve Linick and his office had done no such thing. https://t.co/tQpvHr5g6T
— Citizens for Ethics (@CREWcrew) June 1, 2020
PRESS RELEASE: @AcadofDiplomacy addresses the removal of four key Inspectors General, including the dismissal of the State Department IG, and calls on the Administration and Congress to ensure accountability. https://t.co/zbXZvCUJLJ pic.twitter.com/U3N88peZNF
— Academy of Diplomacy (@AcadofDiplomacy) May 18, 2020
More related posts:
- Senate Confirms Steve Linick; State Dept Finally Gets an Inspector General After 2,066 Days Sept 2013
- After 1,989 Day-Vacancy — President Obama Nominates Steve Linick as State Dept Inspector General 2013
- It Took Awhile But Here It Is — Going After @StateDept OIG Steve Linick With Fake Sleeper Cells Jan 2016
- Kerry Stands By Linick as Clinton Campaign Goes the Full Monty on @StateDept Inspector General March 2016
- State/OIG Officially Releases Report aka @StateDept Email Crap When FAM is Optional May 2016
- OIG Steve Linick Seeks Legislative Support For Kill Switch on State Dept “Investigating Itself” April 2015
- Benghazi Select Committee Invites DS Greg Starr (Again) and IG Steve Linick to Hearing #2 Dec 2014
- Pompeo Now Concerned About Improper Treatment of “Distinguished Professionals” Oct 2019
- @StateDept’s Retaliatory Security Clearance Revocation Now Punishable By [INSERT Three Guesses] Sept 2018
- State/OIG “Looking Into” Reported Political Targeting of @StateDept Career Employees Feb 2018
D/SecState Biegun Alerts @StateDept Employees to Updated Guidance For Political Activities Restrictions
State Department employees on February 19 woke up to a love letter in their inbox from their new Deputy Secretary of State Steve Biegun. The Deputy Secretary says that he is looking forward to highlighting his priorities relating to people, policy and process but the new email was aimed at tackling “the first issue”, that is, how they can “work together to ensure we do not improperly engage the Department of State in the political process.”
He writes that “One of the great strengths of our country is its democratic process, which we proudly showcase in our global engagements.”
(Uhm…okay).
He talks about the political debate going on and the agency’s far-reaching restrictions “designed to ensure our representation overseas is not perceived as partisan.”
It is not lost on any of us that there is a national political debate going on around us that manifests itself daily in news feeds, questions and comments from our foreign contacts, and communications from friends via emails and social media. I have spent my career at the intersection of foreign policy and politics, so I recognize that it can be personally challenging to keep politics outside of daily engagements. This, however, is what our laws and policies require. State Department employees, like all federal employees, are subject to restrictions on engaging in partisan political activity while at work and outside of work. We often talk of Hatch Act requirements, but in truth the Department has more far-reaching restrictions designed to ensure our representation overseas is not perceived as partisan.
Apparently, Mr. Pompeo recently approved “updated guidance for political activities restrictions that apply to all Department employees.” Further, Mr. Biegun notes that “Department legal requirements and policies, which have been in place for decades, are broad and bear careful review.”
He tells employees that “obligations differ based on your employment status” and reveals that “as a Senate confirmed Department official, I will be sitting on the sidelines of the political process this year and will not be attending any political events, to include the national conventions.”
His message does not say if all Senate-confirmed Department officials will also sit on the sidelines.
He writes that while he is not active on social media, he encourage employees “to think about your own practices and how the guidelines provided by the Office of the Legal Adviser might apply to your social media activity.” Further, he also shared that he intends “to be thoughtful in how I respond to emails from friends that have even the appearance of partisan political content.”
Apparently, there are three new Department memoranda which summarize political activity guidance for each of three categories of Department employees—
(1) All Presidential Appointees and All Political Appointees
(2) Career SES Employees
(3) All Department of State Employees (Other than Career SES, Presidential Appointees, and Political Appointees)
(—as well as special guidance for employees and their families abroad).
The Office of the Legal Adviser has issued three political activities memoranda but they are behind the firewall, so we do not, as yet, know what they say. He is asking employees “to review the guidelines carefully so that together we can ensure that our Department work is above reproach.”
(Can somebody please FOIA these updated guidance?)
Mr. Biegun also cited 3 FAM 4123.3 (Employee Responsibilities Abroad/Political Activities): https://fam.state.gov/fam/03fam/03fam4120.html — see 3 FAM 4123.3 for Political Activities
He ends his message with:
“I am impressed by the discipline and unfailing professionalism that I see across our Department team on a daily basis, exemplifying the Secretary’s Ethos statement. I hope you will join me in carefully adhering to these restrictions designed to support our nonpartisan foreign policy.”
Oops! We read “Secretary’s Ethos statement” and we nearly fell off our chair like a drunken master.
Ay, caramba!
Bonus report below about the deputy secretary’s boss’ recent 17-minute speech at a city of 3,100 people in Florida and then you all can have a town hall meeting about how to ensure that the Department’s work is beyond reproach.
In any case, it sounds like employees who want to learn more may attend a special training session by the Office of the Special Counsel scheduled for March 13 in Foggy Bottom. It doesn’t sound like senior State Department officials and advisers who are active and partisan on social media are required to attend the training session. State/D’s message only notes that he is attending the OSC’s session, and it is “a regularly scheduled session available to all employees.”
If Mike Pompeo is not running for U.S. Senate (which he says he isn't) and if he's not using state travel to help Trump's 2020 campaign (which he says he isn't), then why did he secretly stop in The Villages on his recent trip to Florida?https://t.co/NloYGVEyZf
— Steve Contorno (@scontorno) February 19, 2020
I was traveling w/ Secretary Pompeo when his vehicle mysteriously split from the motorcade in Bushnell. @TB_Times reports he met w/ one of the wealthiest Republican donors in Central Florida: the Morse family. At the time no one would tell traveling press where Pompeo was going. https://t.co/sMyit7VlMl
— Elizabeth McLaughlin (@Elizabeth_McLau) February 19, 2020
For a month, I've asked the State Dept to explain why Mike Pompeo came to Bushnell—a city of 3100—for a 17 min speech.
It turns out there was more to his Florida trip: Pompeo secretly stopped in The Villages near a GOP donor, records we obtained show.https://t.co/NloYGVWanP
— Steve Contorno (@scontorno) February 19, 2020
Deputy Secretary Stephen E. Biegun’s Ceremonial Swearing-In Ceremony
New Ambassador David Fischer Assumes Charge at U.S. Embassy Morocco
The raising of the American flag at the Ambassador’s residence is a U.S. diplomatic tradition. Today our #Marines marked Ambassador Fischer’s first day @USEmbassyRabat #Morocco
— U.S. Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) January 23, 2020
“U.S.- Morocco relations are historic, strategic, and growing. I look forward to strengthening our partnership to enhance the prosperity and security of 🇲🇦 and 🇺🇸.” Ambassador David Fischer presented his credentials to Foreign Minister #nasserbourita @MarocDiplomatie
— U.S. Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) January 22, 2020
Congratulations to newly sworn-in U.S. Ambassador to #Morocco, David Fischer! pic.twitter.com/cDp6hzINGz
— NEA Press Office (@NEAPressOffice) January 17, 2020
SUBJECT: Ambassadorial Nomination: Certificate of Demonstrated Competence — Foreign Service Act, Section 304(a)(4)
POST: Kingdom of Morocco
CANDIDATE: David T. Fischer
David T. Fischer, a prominent businessman and community leader in Michigan, has been involved in his family automotive dealership group and related entities since 1967. He became President and CEO in 1975, and principal owner in 1978. In 2017, his title was changed to Chairman & CEO. Known today as “The Suburban Collection,” Mr. Fischer’s organization has become one of the largest privately held automotive dealership groups in the United States. It represents most automotive manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, including over 90 active, automotive related entities. This organization also operates state-of-the-art collision centers, accessories distribution centers, fleet management and retrofitting services throughout the United States and Canada. Recognized for his leadership, problem solving and fiscal management, Mr. Fischer has forged and managed a large organization of highly talented and loyal personnel, while dedicating time and resources to the welfare of his community, the arts and education through the support of 80 charities in the past 24 months alone.
In addition to leading The Suburban Collection, Mr. Fischer has been Chairman Emeritus, North American International Auto Show, Detroit (1990-Present), Co-Chairman, North American International Auto Show, Detroit, (1988-1989), Board of Directors, GMRC Holdings, Limited, Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados (2008-2013), Director, North Metro Board of Directors, Michigan National Bank, Troy, Michigan (Mid-to-late 1980s), Board of Trustees, Oakland University, including two terms as Vice-Chairman and one term as Chairman (1992-2008), and Director, Regional Board of Directors, Michigan National Bank, Troy, Michigan (Mid-to-late 1980s). He has held ownership stakes in more than a dozen additional companies. Serving local government, Mr. Fischer has been a Member of the Judicial Tenure Commission in Detroit (2012-2017). Highlighting his community service, Mr. Fischer has joined the Boards of numerous academic, cultural and social welfare institutions and foundations.
Mr. Fischer earned a B.A. at Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1967 and participated in the CEO President’s Seminar at Harvard College, 2015-2017.
Confirmations: Biegun as Deputy Secretary, 11 Ambassadors, 3 Foreign Service Lists
On Thursday, December 19, the U.S. Senate adjourned for the 116th Congress, First Session. Senate Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate will reconvene for the 116th Congress, 2nd Session, at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 3rd, 2020.
Prior to leaving town, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Stephen Biegun as the State Department’s Deputy Secretary. It also confirmed the nomination of 11 ambassadors, one USAID Assistant Administrator, and three Foreign Service lists.
STATE DEPARTMENT
PN1266 Confirmed, 90-3: Executive Calendar #550 Stephen E. Biegun to be Deputy Secretary of State @StateDept
Confirmed, 90-3: Executive Calendar #550 Stephen E. Biegun to be Deputy Secretary of State @StateDept
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 19, 2019
PN834 Executive Calendar #521 Kelley Eckels Currie to be Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues
PN617 Executive Calendar #519 Morse H. Tan to be Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice
AMBASSADORS
PN1047 Executive Calendar #529 Peter M. Haymond, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
PN1046 Executive Calendar #528 Kelly C. Degnan, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to Georgia
PN1038 Executive Calendar #527 Alina L. Romanowski, a Career Member of the Senior Executive Service, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the State of Kuwait
PN1036 Executive Calendar #526 Robert S. Gilchrist, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Republic of Lithuania
PN965 Executive Calendar #524 Carmen G. Cantor, of Puerto Rico, a Career Member of the Senior Executive Service, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Federated States of Micronesia
PN902 Executive Calendar #523 Yuri Kim, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Republic of Albania
PN891 Executive Calendar #522 Leslie Meredith Tsou, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Sultanate of Oman
PN703 Executive Calendar #520 Roxanne Cabral a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Republic of the Marshall Islands
PN121 Executive Calendar #518 David T. Fischer to be Ambassador of the U.S. to the Kingdom of Morocco
USAID
PN614 Executive Calendar #411 Michelle A. Bekkering to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development.
FOREIGN SERVICE LISTS
2019-12-02 PN1318 Foreign Service | Nominations beginning Shon Stephen Belcher, and ending David Mango, which 41 nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on December 2, 2019.
2019-12-02 PN1319 Foreign Service | Nominations beginning Kara Miriam Abramson, and ending Megan Elizabeth Zurowski, which 154 nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on December 2, 2019.
2019-12-02 PN1321 Foreign Service | Nominations beginning Jenny U. Abamu, and ending Hamda A. Yusuf, which 119 nominations were received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record on December 2, 2019.
Foreign Service promotions confirmed by consent:
PN 1318 (41 nominations)
PN 1319 (154 nominations)
PN 1321 (119 nominations)— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 20, 2019
#Senate stands adjourned and will convene at the following dates/times for pro forma sessions:
Monday, December 23 at 10:00 AM
Thursday, December 26 at 3:15 PM
Monday, December 30 at 2:00 PM
Thursday, January 2 at 6:30 PM— Senate Periodicals (@SenatePPG) December 20, 2019
Leader McConnell has announced that the Senate will reconvene for the 116th Congress, 2nd Session, at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 3rd.
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 19, 2019
#
Special Rep For Korea Stephen E. Biegun to be Deputy Secretary of State
On October 31, the WH announced the president’s intent to nominate Stephen E. Biegun of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of State. The WH released the following brief bio:
Stephen E. Biegun is the United States Special Representative for North Korea at the Department of State, where he directs all United States policy on North Korea. Prior to returning to government service in 2018, Mr. Biegun served as Vice President of International Governmental Relations for Ford Motor Company, where he was a third-generation Ford employee. At Ford, he led an 80-person team located across 20 countries and was responsible for global trade strategy and international risk assessment. Mr. Biegun has more than two decades of service in the Executive and Legislative Branches of government. In Congress, he served as national security advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, as Chief of Staff of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and as a senior staff member of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. At the White House, he served as the National Security Council Executive Secretary, a senior staff position under National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mr. Biegun is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has served on the boards of the National Bureau of Asian Research, the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, the U.S.-Russia Foundation for Economic Development and the Rule of Law, and Freedom House.
Related posts:
- Who’s Going to be the Next @StateDept Deputy Secretary? Two Names Floating Around: Biegun, Bulatao .
- Trump to Nominate @StateDept Deputy Secretary John Sullivan to be U.S. Ambassador to Moscow
- Trump to nominate John J. Sullivan to be @StateDept’s No.2 and to also serve as No.3 April 2017
- Previously Announced DOD Nominee John J. Sullivan Now Slated to be @StateDept’s No. 2 March 2017
- @StateDept Deputy Secretary of State Nominee John Sullivan Gets a Senate Hearing .
- William J. Burns — to Move Up as Deputy Secretary of State
NEW: Trump has nominated U.S. envoy to North Korea Stephen Biegun for deputy secretary of statehttps://t.co/gLu7hUEKM1
— Axios (@axios) October 31, 2019
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