State Department acting inspector general resigns

WASHINGTON — The State Department’s acting inspector general resigned abruptly on Wednesday following the firing of his predecessor in circumstances now being investigated by Congress.

Stephen Akard announced his resignation just two days after Democrats issued subpoenas for several of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s top aides to answer questions about the shakeup in the watchdog’s office.

The department said Akard would return to the private sector but offered no other reason for his departure.

“We appreciate his dedication to the department and to our country,” the department said in a statement. Akard’s deputy, Diana Shaw, will serve as the new acting inspector general once Akard leaves on Friday.

Akard, a close ally of Vice President Mike Pence, had not been expected to become the permanent inspector general.

Democrats have alleged that Pompeo sought the ouster of Akard’s predecessor, Stephen Linick, because Linick was investigating allegations of impropriety by Pompeo.

Pompeo has denied the allegations but acknowledged he asked President Donald Trump to fire Linick for poor performance.

Akard, who had also served as the director of the Office of Foreign Missions at the State Department, had withdrawn from those investigations after Democrats complained his holding both jobs was a significant conflict of interest.

Asked about Akard’s resignation, Pompeo had little to say to reporters at a news conference. “He left to go back home,” Pompeo said. “This happens. I don’t have anything more to add.”