Senators urge independent inquiry on Rob Malley’s security clearance mishap.
Senate Republicans Demand Independent Investigation into Biden Administration’s Handling of Iran Envoy’s Security Clearance
Senate Republicans are calling for an independent investigation by the State Department’s inspector general to determine if Biden administration officials attempted to conceal information regarding the revocation of Iran envoy Robert Malley’s security clearance.
In a letter sent to State Department acting inspector general Diana Shaw, a group of 17 senators, led by South Carolina Republican Tim Scott, are demanding an investigation into whether State Department officials followed all appropriate laws and regulations when removing Malley from his position. The senators are particularly concerned about why Malley was only placed on unpaid leave after news of an FBI investigation into his actions became public.
“We were alarmed to learn that the U.S. Department of State has suspended Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley’s clearance, is conducting an investigation into Malley’s handling of classified information, and only recently placed Malley on leave without pay,” the senators wrote.
The allegations against Malley come at a time when the Biden administration is engaged in secret diplomacy with Iran, aiming to secure a new nuclear deal. Reports suggest that the United States is willing to provide the cash-strapped Iranian regime with billions of dollars in exchange for limited restrictions on its nuclear program, which is now closer than ever to developing an atomic weapon.
Earlier this year, Malley had his security clearance revoked, but this information was kept hidden from Congress until last month when Malley himself confirmed he was on extended leave. Congressional leaders have initiated investigations into the matter, suspecting that the Biden administration intentionally concealed the investigation into Malley’s mishandling of classified information.
For a month, the State Department only stated that Malley was on extended leave for personal reasons, but later changed his status once the investigation became public. Malley’s official biography has been removed from the State Department’s website, and his image has been taken down from the Iran envoy’s Twitter page.
Senator Scott and his colleagues are seeking answers regarding when Malley was informed about the revocation of his security clearance and when he turned in all department-issued credentials. This information will help determine if the investigation into Malley began earlier than publicly known.
The lawmakers are also questioning the State Department’s decision to place Malley on leave without pay and want to know the specific date this decision was made.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Conducts Its Own Investigation
The House Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Rep. Michael McCaul (R., Texas), is conducting its own investigation into the Malley scandal. However, the State Department is obstructing the probe and has refused to provide further documents or information related to the personnel-security clearance matter.
The State Department has also declined to answer press inquiries, stating that Malley “remains on leave” and citing privacy considerations.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...