US president, Donald Trump has reportedly relieved Huitema from his post as the head of the Office of Government Ethics.
Huitema was confirmed as the agency’s director by the Senate in November and officially started in December.
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Originally nominated by President Joe Biden, his confirmation faced delays exceeding a year in the Senate.
It was finally approved with a close 50-46 vote during a session after the elections.
Directors of the Office of Government Ethics usually serve terms of five years.
This system is meant to allow these directors to work under various administrations, which helps in minimizing political influence.
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On Monday, a statement on the agency website read: “OGE has been notified that the President is removing David Huitema as the Director of OGE. OGE is reverting to an Acting Director.”
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In an interview with CNN, Huitema mentioned he learned about his removal through an email from the Presidential Personnel Office.
He received this email over the weekend, noting it was sent on Friday night.
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Huitema also stated he was unaware of any specific actions by the agency that could have led to Trump’s decision to dismiss him.
“My sense is that the president doesn’t want OGE or really anyone with an independent voice to address concerns that are raised,” he said.
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