update 4/17/21
For those outside DC, there is such a thing called “burrowing,” where an outgoing Prez places political appointees in career positions, making it very difficult for that employee to be removed by the next admin. Trump tried to burrow Ellis the day before he left office. https://t.co/or4jhQ74Ww
— Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) April 18, 2021
He’s doing everything he can to make things hard for Biden.
Pelosi gets involved in Michael Ellis hiring. She sent a letter to the sec def and spoke to him this am. pic.twitter.com/trYBQXE4Aa
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 18, 2021
In a move that is raising eyebrows, Michael Ellis, a Trump loyalist, has been named general counsel at the NSA. @LMartinezABC breaks down the concerns, the practice of ‘burrowing’ and its longterm implications. LISTEN: https://t.co/OCNTZFdcey pic.twitter.com/com8Bflrad
— Start Here – The Daily Podcast from ABC News (@StartHereABC) January 18, 2021
More on Ellis at NSA. Trump met with Pentagon Acting chief Miller on Friday, ahead of order to install him by Saturday. W/@EricSchmittNYT & @nytmike https://t.co/riBKIRH8LW
— Julian E. Barnes (@julianbarnes) January 17, 2021
Cannot agree more. The individual case is important but the ground rules even more so. President has broad discretion to ensure the country is being safeguarded and not undermined by a stunt like this. It's wrong. Remove him on day one, figure out the technicalities later. https://t.co/hzcvzyMhIg
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) January 17, 2021
At this point, no one should extend this selection process the benefit of the doubt. By all indication, the Trump admin is violating civil service rules and politicizing an apolitical role. If Ellis is installed tonight, Biden should remove him on Day One. https://t.co/fiiXJC3qK0
— Susan Hennessey (@Susan_Hennessey) January 17, 2021
New: NSA spox says it is putting Michael Ellis in the role of NSA general counsel: "Mr. Ellis accepted his final job offer yesterday afternoon. NSA is moving forward with his employment."
— Jeremy Herb (@jeremyherb) January 17, 2021
Backstory on the standoff over Ellis' hiring here: https://t.co/Xwc2Fg6tlW
Under pressure from Trump White House, Acting Secretary of Defense has ordered NSA to “immediately” install Republican party ex-operative (and Devin Nunes ex-aide) as NSA general counsel, reports Washington Post.
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) January 17, 2021
With less than four days to go of Trump’s Presidency? Why?
One additional bizarre feature of this story is why Miller is involved at all. The NSA General Counsel is selected and hired by the DOD General Counsel, not the Secretary of Defense. https://t.co/I1e8fHyiD8
— Susan Hennessey (@Susan_Hennessey) January 17, 2021
I wrote about the problems with Ellis's selection when it was first announced after the election and cautioned that the new administration should investigate thoroughly and then decide how to proceed. After this, they should not wait a single day. https://t.co/cYWeOxnHgG
— Susan Hennessey (@Susan_Hennessey) January 17, 2021
Ellis can appeal adverse personal action to the Merits System Protection Board or can avail himself of other remedies he is entitled to pursue. But Nakasone and the men and women of NSA need and deserve a president prepared to take a stand against such egregious wrongdoing.
— Susan Hennessey (@Susan_Hennessey) January 17, 2021
4. I have been thinking and concerned about Ellis in positions of power for a long time.
— Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) January 17, 2021
I wrote this in March 2020.👇
"Michael Ellis, a White House lawyer accused of serious ethical misconduct in the Ukraine scandal …"https://t.co/ivU3ZKTGrT
Let’s not pretend to believe Republicans when they pretend to be outraged that Biden fired him. https://t.co/3mcgAihy8m
— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) January 17, 2021
Sad! 