Steve A. Linick

Steve A. Linick was an American attorney and government official who served as the Inspector General of the United States Department of State. Appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate, he led the Office of Inspector General for over six years. His tenure included high-profile investigations into government operations before his controversial removal by President Donald Trump in 2020, which sparked significant political and legal debate.

Early life and education

Steve A. Linick was born in New York City and grew up in the New York metropolitan area. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a degree in economics. He then pursued his legal education, receiving a Juris Doctor from the Stanford Law School, an institution known for its rigorous program and notable alumni in public service.

Career

Following law school, Linick began his legal career as an associate at the prominent law firm O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles. He later transitioned to public service, joining the United States Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California. In this role, he prosecuted a variety of federal crimes. He subsequently served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Justice Department's Civil Division, overseeing litigation involving the federal government. Before his appointment as Inspector General, Linick held the position of Deputy General Counsel for the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Inspector General of the State Department

Linick was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2013 to become the Inspector General for the United States Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He was confirmed by the United States Senate and began his term on September 30, 2013. His office was responsible for independent audits, inspections, and investigations to promote efficiency and detect fraud, waste, and abuse within the department. During his tenure, the OIG issued reports on a wide range of issues, including embassy security, management of the Global Health Security Agenda, and the department's handling of Benghazi attack records. At the time of his removal, his office was conducting an investigation into the Trump administration's emergency declaration to expedite arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Removal and aftermath

On May 15, 2020, President Donald Trump informed Congress of his intent to remove Linick from his position. The move was requested by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who cited a loss of confidence. The dismissal was immediately criticized by prominent members of Congress, including Senator Bob Menendez and Representative Elijah Cummings, who characterized it as an act of retaliation for Linick's investigations. The House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee launched inquiries into the circumstances of the firing. Linick was replaced in an acting capacity by Diana Shaw, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation. His removal was part of a wider series of dismissals of Inspectors General by the Trump administration, which raised significant concerns about oversight and accountability within the executive branch.

Personal life

Linick maintained a relatively private personal life. He was married and resided in the Washington, D.C. area during his tenure as Inspector General. Details regarding his family and personal interests are not widely documented in the public record.

Category:American inspectors general Category:United States Department of State officials Category:Stanford Law School alumni