The Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Justice Department is facing criticism over apparent political bias among some of its personnel. The OIG’s mission is to detect and deter fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct within the Department through independent oversight. Inspector General Michael Horowitz has been in office since 2012, but recent reports suggest that certain OIG personnel responsible for investigating Trump administration officials have displayed partisan leanings. America First Legal (AFL) has raised concerns about politically motivated employees compromising the impartiality of investigations, prompting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Documents reviewed by Fox News Digital reveal that OIG attorney Deborah Falk Zerwitz, overseeing an investigation into the department’s handling of nursing home deaths in several states, has made numerous donations to Democrat-linked entities over the years. Zerwitz’s social media activity, including “liking” posts critical of Trump appointees and supportive of Democratic causes, has raised questions about her objectivity. Jennifer Ramella, another OIG lawyer involved in the same investigation, also has a history of donations to Democratic PAC ActBlue. Meanwhile, Christina Monta, a former OIG counsel overseeing a separate probe, has donated to ActBlue and Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s campaign.
AFL’s FOIA request seeks to determine the prevalence of political bias within the OIG and its potential impact on investigations. The organization emphasizes the importance of government officials upholding their duty to be impartial, particularly with a presidential election approaching. AFL argues that public confidence in the DOJ is undermined when employees target political opponents based on their personal beliefs. The OIG maintains that its work is fact-based and objective, citing past reports on FISA abuses and Operation Fast and Furious as evidence of its commitment to impartial oversight.
The OIG’s procedures for conducting investigations are outlined in a report on FISA abuses in the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane probe. The organization notes that it provides draft reports for factual accuracy reviews by relevant agencies and individuals mentioned in the report. Witnesses are given the opportunity to review and comment on sections pertaining to their testimony. The Civil Service Reform Act prohibits discrimination based on political affiliations within the OIG. AFL executive director Gene Hamilton asserts that a watchdog agency with partisan biases cannot fulfill its mandate effectively.
The issue of political bias within the OIG raises concerns about the integrity of investigations and the trustworthiness of government oversight. AFL’s efforts to uncover potential instances of partisan influence within the Department of Justice are part of a broader push for transparency and accountability in government operations. The OIG’s commitment to remaining neutral and upholding constitutional rights while conducting objective oversight is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the justice system. As the debate over political interference in government institutions continues, ensuring the independence and impartiality of oversight bodies like the OIG is essential for upholding the rule of law.
