President Donald Trump has removed David Huitema from his position as the director of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), just weeks after he was confirmed by the Senate. Huitema, nominated by former President Joe Biden, was appointed to a five-year term following a narrow 50-46 Senate vote on November 14. His removal raises concerns about the procedural vulnerabilities of the OGE director role, which lacks some protections afforded to other officials, such as inspectors general.
Shelley Finlayson now serves as the acting director of the OGE, an agency tasked with promoting and enforcing ethics within the executive branch. The role of the OGE director is pivotal, providing guidance and oversight to ensure government officials comply with ethics laws and regulations. This includes assisting Trump's nominees in effectively navigating ethical challenges in their roles.
The removal of Huitema sparked interest due to the timing and nature of his dismissal. He was sworn in as the director in mid-December and had emphasized his commitment to thoroughness and efficiency in guiding government officials on ethics matters. In his statement, Huitema highlighted the need for officials to be "free from the obstacles caused by potential conflicts of interest, which could prevent them from being effective in their jobs."
Huitema's tenure was expected to reinforce ethical standards across the executive branch. The OGE's mission includes ensuring that ethics laws are upheld and that government operations remain transparent and accountable. Despite this crucial mandate, the position of OGE director lacks certain procedural protections, making it more susceptible to political influence.
The White House has yet to respond to CNBC's request for comment on Huitema's removal. Meanwhile, Shelley Finlayson assumes leadership as acting director, though the specifics of her appointment remain undisclosed. The OGE's website continues to serve as a resource for information on its mission, functions, and leadership roles.