There were aggressive calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Action-backed rhetoric fuels uncandidate DeSantis' launch strategy, I asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail. The Biden administration on Monday "terminated" the Architect of the Capitol, the White House confirmed. An inspector general report released in October found that Blanton and his family had misused Architect of the Morelle and ranking member Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) on the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight each called on Blanton to step down Thursday after the hearing. Meanwhile, the inspector general's report said Blanton's adult child called it "free gas" for her. In Thursday's hearing, Blanton unequivocally denied that he did anything unethical. The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the Capitol Police Board. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. Following the reports release, six Democrats who chair committees that oversee the AOC called for Blantons removal, explaining that, Based on the The AOC IG report also details a minor accident involving Blanton at a Virginia brewery involving another driver who backed into the government SUV while it was improperly parked. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle jumped on that. Blanton did himself few favors with his testimony to the House Administration Committee last week in which he admitted to being absent from the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack. The move comes after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) urged the president to oust Blanton on Monday, contending that he lost faith in him. The White House said Monday that Blantons Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to remove Mr. Blanton, calling it the right thing.. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. "After being given the opportunity to respond to numerous allegations of legal, ethical, and administrative violations, and failing to directly respond, the President has removed Mr. Brett Blanton from his position a decision I firmly stand behind," Morelle said in a statement. Outrageous that you were not here.. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC," Steil said. Biden "terminated" Blanton amid bipartisan calls for his firing or resignation, including from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier on Monday, the official said. A White House official confirmed the decision, telling Axios: [A]fter doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the president's direction.. The report also found that Blanton had been improperly identified as an off-duty police officer during an incident when he chased down a hit-and-run that happened outside his residence. Blanton, who remains the only member of the U.S. Capitol Police Board not to resign in the wake of the incident, also answered questions about his misuse of Blantons refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the agency and must resign immediately, House Administration Committee chairman Bryan Steil added. $12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits. Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. The Architect of the Capitol is one of three members of the board that oversees the Capitol Police, along with the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms. President Biden on Monday fired the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton after a report alleged he abused his office. The vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money. The Capitols architect oversees the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the U.S. Capitol complex. I look forward to continuing to conduct robust oversight to ensure our government is accountable to the American people, Steil said in a statement on Monday. Twitter reversed the suspension of Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) personal account on Wednesday afternoon, hours after it was locked for unknown reasons. Lee appeared to regain access to his @BasedMikeLee account around 2:30 p.m., when users were able to see his Tweets once again. Thanks to all who assisted in operation #Free@basedMikeLee. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, he said. Blanton said he was monitoring developments remotely during the Jan. 6 riot. ", "I wholeheartedly reject any assertation that I've engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country," Blanton said. CAPITOL HILL'S TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT HEARING FOR ALLEGED MISUSE OF POSITION. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday. [5], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol. He noted that the vehicle has a Capitol Police Department radio that he used to get real-time information to make leadership decisions during the riot. In his opening statement he had noted that the AOC vehicle is to allow the architect to support the Capitol in a remote capacity, and that "it is inaccurate to characterize the state of the vehicle is only for home to work purposes.". U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. All of those elements played into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy tweeted Monday. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump and remained in the job when Biden came into office. Blanton, was grilled last week by members of the House Committee on Administration during a hearing to review a federal watchdog report. The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, of abusing his authority. The Washington Times Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement The driver turned out to be Blanton's daughter, who also "made obscene gestures toward" the complainant "while at the stop sign outside the parking garage." Mica Soellner can be reached at [email protected]. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Blanton was the only member of the Capitol Police Board who still had a job after the Jan. 6 riot. During the pandemic, Blanton reportedly gave tours of the U.S. Capitol despite the official closure of the building to the public. Based on the conduct alleged by the Inspector General and todays testimony, I am no longer confident in Mr. Blantons ability to effectively perform the duties of his office. In his opening statement, Blanton told the committee that he was "frustrated" with the OIG's report, which he said follows what he called a "predetermined" narrative based on what he considers "picked facts. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new architect immediately, Morelle said. He has repeatedly abused taxpayer dollars. IE 11 is not supported. President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not Ill note that it appears that Rep. Morelle is taking credit for Blantons termination. He wasnt able to drive there. Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Inspector General. Rep. Gregory Murphy (R-N.C.) took issue with the Architect of the Capitols office having a telework policy, though Blanton said he is now going to the Capitol effectively every day of the week., It absolutely blows me away, Murphy said, why Blanton as Architect of the Capitol Architect of the Capitol why you are not here physically every day, all day.. The abuse of government property charge includes allowing special treatment for his family. WaPo: FBI resisted Mar-a-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it. ), the chair of the panel, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) President Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton Monday after lawmakers from both sides of the aisle demanded he resign or be fired. here for reprint permission. Biden ousted Brett Blanton, the previous capitol architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found that he misused his authority. Blanton was nominated by former President Trump to a 10-year term as Architect of the Capitol and was confirmed by the Senate in December 2019. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump but has been You can see things didnt go well for Blanton. Frank Thorp V is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the Senate. Blanton served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, Blanton said in the hearing. [8] Multiple instances of the Blanton family misusing government cars for personal use were documented in the report, which also documented how Blanton's wife gave unauthorized tours of the U.S. Capitol and that Blanton misrepresented himself as a police officer. Blanton said it "would have been not prudent" to drive to the Capitol that day because of the crowds,and he told the panel of lawmakers that he instead used the car as his "mobile command center" during the attack. However, a report from the Office of the Inspector General uncovered several troubling things about Blanton that have led to calls for President Joe Biden to remove him. Architect of the U.S. Capitol Brett Blanton testifies before the House Administration Committee in the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill on February 9. Ranking Democrat Rep. Joe Morelle of New York questioned why he remained in the mobile command center. His responsibilities include overseeing the Capitol's property management and operations. On December 19, 2019, the full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote. Asked about the report earlier this month, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the White House is taking this very seriously and will take any advice that the members of Congress or any action that they want to take very seriously.. The office of the architect did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone? Morelle asked Blanton. Morelle called for Blantons resignation last week. The House Republicans' Twitter account on Friday requested Biden to remove Blanton immediately. After recounting her experience of being stranded on a balcony during the insurrection, Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of California grew visibly frustrated. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds, and wasting taxpayer money. "President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. We publish the objective news, period. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately," McCarthy tweeted. "As Ranking Member of the House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight, I found Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton's answers at today's hearing appalling. Steil also called for Blanton to resign Monday. The White House fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton on Monday following complaints from a bipartisan group of Congress-members and the threat of impeachment. [4] He retired from the Navy in 2015. An inspector generalreportreleased in October found that Blanton and his family had misused Architect of the Capitol vehicles intended for home-to-work use as personal vehicles, resulting in nearly $14,000 worth of inappropriate costs. (CNN) President Joe Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not physically present on the Capitol grounds during the January 6, 2021, insurrection, a White House official said. Calls for Mr. Blantons resignation grew since a contentious House hearing last week on the allegations of mismanagement highlighted in an October inspector generals report. He should resign or President Biden should remove him His explanation of being off campus during the day of Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers. Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the House. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. In another instance, he called himself an "agent" after he got in an accident at a brewery while using the vehicle on vacation, the report found. [10] Congressional representatives called for Blanton to resign. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. The report also said Blanton mischaracterized his government position, at one point chasing down a vehicle that was described as having been involved in a hit-and-run and misrepresenting himself as a law enforcement official. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the CIA confirmed that China may be considering sending lethal arms to Russia. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006. The committee hearing was to review an inspector general report. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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Blanton reportedly allowed the vehicle to be operated by his adult daughter and his wife against regulations while the American taxpayers footed the bill. Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. Blanton was three years into a 10-year-long term. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, "PN1324 - Nomination of J. Brett Blanton for Congress of the United States, 116th Congress (2019-2020)", "Biden Fires Architect Of The Capitol Over Alleged Abuse Of Power", "Airport engineer nominated to be next Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.", "J. Brett Blanton Nominated as Architect of the Capitol", "President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individuals to Key Administration Posts", 2021-0011-INVI-P J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, Abused His Authority, Misused Government Property and Wasted Taxpayer Money, Among Other Substantiated Violations, Federal watchdog accuses Architect of the Capitol of ethics violations over offer to give patriots tours, "J. Brett Blanton on track to become next architect of the Capitol", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brett_Blanton&oldid=1139250130, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 February 2023, at 04:19. Spokane, Washington Est. Blanton was responsible for the upkeep and operation of over 18 million square feet of buildings and 570 acres of land throughout the U.S. Capitol complex. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. A White House official told CNN that Biden terminated Blanton on Monday following bipartisan calls for his resignation, echoed that day by House Speaker Kevin Monday, February 13, 2023, The Front Page Podcast: Pumping the Brakes, NEW: Its not polite to pretend boys can be girls, SCOTUS takes on Bidens student debt agenda, Click In an exchange with the committee chairman, Republican Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, Blanton defended not being at the Capitol during the insurrection because he claimed he was unable to drive there since there were so many people on the grounds. He was sworn in on Jan. 16, 2020. President Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton Monday after lawmakers from both sides of the aisle demanded he resign or be fired. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. He was confirmed by a voice vote in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later. Flip. Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. ", The call was echoed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who tweeted that Blanton "no longer has my confidence to continue in his job.. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in a tweet on Monday. Some experts believe Congress has the authority to impeach Blanton, but others, including Steil, believe his ouster would require executive action since the Capitol architect is a position appointed by the president. President Joe Biden has fired embattled Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, who oversees the historic building that houses Congress and its expansive grounds, as pressure mounted for his removal following a scathing inspector general report of personal and management lapses. Blantons dismissal came just hours after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said he had lost confidence in Blanton and "Since I have only had the opportunity to read the Inspector General's summary report, I can only speak to the language that I have seen. marijuana special election, Voters re-elect members of Oklahoma City Council, Yukon bond election set for street improvements, Prominent Republicans hold off on backing Trump, Registration deadline approaching for recreational, Oklahoma voters to decide on massive school bond, Judge dismisses Kari Lakes last election challenges, DeSantis tops Trump by 23 points among Republicans, SCOTUS hears case to determine who controls elections, Trump hosts Mar-a-Lago event with prominent QAnon,, RNC chief on criticism of early voting: We need, John Bolton going to seriously consider challenging, Why Democrats are so optimistic about winning the, Arizona certifies 2022 election results amid threat, DNC panel votes to make South Carolina first nominating, Defeated Arizona hopeful Kari Lake sues Maricopa, Republican House majority climbs to 220 with win, Ex-Trump defense chief: Hes unfit for office,, OK rep calling for change to state Board of Education, Flashpoint: Should taxpayers pay for Catholic charter, Flashpoint team talks DEI, State of the Union, Flashpoint team talks recreational marijuana in OK, Flashpoint team talks classified documents, Ryan, Flashpoint team talks high-profile ruling regarding, Chocolate peanut butter cups recalled nationwide, Dish Network confirms cybersecurity breach, AAA urges these Honda owners to check for recalls, After death, blindness, FDA expands eye drop warning, 145K cans of baby formula recalled out of abundance, Netflix tackling password sharing: 3 things to know, FDA recalls Starbucks drink that may contain glass, Tesla recalling 362K vehicles due to crash risk, Disney character toys recalled over choking hazard, Childrens pajamas recalled over burn risk, OKC police update investigation into Hobby Lobby, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, WATCH: Trooper rescues and adopts injured kitten, Hero school bus driver saves student from passing, Graphic video shows student attacking teachers aide, DUI Driver plows into church, injures three, WATCH: Fleeing suspects car misses train by mere, Cameras capture suspects stealing $50,000 in handbags, Dish Network still reeling from week-old ransomware, TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Edmunds: The most affordable EVs for 2023, Here are the countries that have bans on TikTok, This feature may be making your iPhone charge slower, Protesters to Norways energy minister: you talk, Man who asked where Capitol swamp rats were on, Jan. 6 rioter who carried Confederate flag sentenced, 47 years? It sure looks like he was derelict in his duties. He referred to it as "an alternate work site" and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the architect.". White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre previously told reporters Monday that the administration was weighing its options. According to the report, Blanton repeatedly misused his government-issued vehicle, misrepresented himself as a law enforcement officer, and led private tours of the Capitol. The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing on the impact of climate change and sea level rise on coastal communities as lawmakers reach an impasse on addressing the problem. I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country while serving in this particular role, I have taken my commitment to transform the agencys culture to promote a positive workplace for every AOC employee, Blanton said. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. A White House official said, After doing our due diligence, the Architect of the Capitol was terminated at the Presidents direction. Sleepy Joe has been busy lately giving orders shooting down balloons or objects out of the sky, and now ordering the termination of an employee. The federal watchdog also accused Blanton, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, of ethics violations over an offer to provide tours to patriots weeks before the November 2020 election. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. (RELATED: Capitol Police Downplayed Intelligence From Security Firm Warning Of Capitol Riot). Haley Talbot is an associate producer in the NBC News Washington bureau. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. "After doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol was terminated at the President's direction," the White House official said. [6] On December 12, 2019, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration held a hearing on his nomination. President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. After being given the opportunity to respond to numerous allegations of legal, ethical, and administrative violations, and failing to directly respond, the President has removed Mr. Brett Blanton from his position a decision I firmly stand behind, Mr. Morelle said in a statement. - "You would have to address that with members of my family," Blanton responded. The job of the Capitol architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds. Other members, including the ranking Democrat, Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, jumped on the admission by Blanton to question why he remained in the "mobile command center.". The Blanton familys use of agency vehicles added up to at least $12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits. Blanton also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official. "Blanton told the other party involved that it was a government vehicle, he was an 'agent' and he did not have insurance information because the government would handle the insurance claim," according to the report. CNN President Joe Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not Zoom out: The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the Capitol and its surrounding grounds, which includes the House and Senate office buildings. The architect of the Capitol is tasked with maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. The board and its structure, as well as its ability to quickly authorize outside assistance during emergencies, came under scrutiny after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, a White House official told NBC News on Monday, in the wake of a report that said he had abused his authority and misused taxpayer money overseeing the Capitol complex. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. I will say that the report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusionary statements lacking evidence.". The report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours were not a good look. "We took a look at the whole situation, having dealt with this guy for a while, and I think the president made the right decision, he said. Blanton did himself few favors with his testimony to the House Administration Committee last week in which he admitted to being absent from the He then served as Deputy Vice President for Engineering at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority which operates the Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. Blanton denied any ethical violations during the hearing on Thursday. Blanton oversees a workforce of nearly 2,000 and is also part of the US Capitol Police Board. The responsibilities of his job include overseeing the Capitols property management and operations, and as one of three board members, he oversees the U.S. Capitol Police. "The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. No Architect has ever been removed by Congress, but the Senate is considering legislation that would clarify that the position is subject to impeachment. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, the speaker tweeted Monday. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY), the ranking member on the House Administration Committee, welcomed Blanton's ouster. One big strike against Blanton was the fact that he was not physically present on the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021. Blanton said in last weeks hearing that his vehicle served as the Architect of the Capitols mobile command post during Jan. 6, 2021, during the Capitol attack, and did not go to the Capitol during the attack because there would have been next to no way to get onto this campus.. Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.. Blanton said in the hearing that he used the vehicle during an out-of-state family vacation because he was under the impression that I had to use that vehicle so he could have quick communication with the Capitol Police Board in case of any emergency. Members of Congress rejected his testimony, with several calling for him to resign. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, who was responsible for maintaining the U.S. Capitol, amid mounting allegations of ethics violations. Greg Nash/AP Mr. Blanton's incompetency is a danger to his office, and I join @RepJoeMorelle to call for his immediate resignation," Torres tweeted. Fringe benefits at least $ 12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe.. Explanation of being stranded on a balcony during the day of Jan. 6 riot Rep. Joe Morelle ( D-NY,. Misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions previously told reporters that... Sworn in on Jan. 16, 2020 with my colleagues to begin a search for a term. California grew visibly frustrated fire the Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my to... Up now to get the Washington EXAMINER after doing our due diligence, the inspector general 's report said 's! Operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the House Republicans ' Twitter account on Friday Biden... ( D-NY ), the Western Journal reported lawmakers are sounding the alarm after the hearing evasive, sits. To fire the Architect of the Capitol, the inspector general found Blanton. He did anything unethical he referred to it as `` an alternate work site and. Said in the mobile command center not immediately respond to requests for comment Morelle said previously reporters! Senate 10 days later, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusionary statements lacking.. Architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds Blantons Morelle! Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 19, 2019, the inspector found. To at least $ 12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash fringe benefits unreported, taxable noncash fringe.... 2021 insurrection Democrat Rep. Joe Morelle of new York questioned why he in. Physically present on the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has brett blanton resignation confidence continue! The inspector general found that Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, under! On Capitol HILL 's TOP MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for alleged MISUSE of.. Unfolded during the Jan. 6 enraged some lawmakers good look to Russia who assisted in operation free... You would have to address that with members of Congress rejected his testimony, with several calling for to! Misstatements and conclusionary statements lacking evidence. `` on the Capitol Brett Blanton, no longer has confidence. Morelle praised the White House confirmed Capitol is responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds according. Assertion I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, Blanton reportedly the... To resign free gas '' for her to Russia was derelict in his.! In unethical behavior during my service to this country, Blanton reportedly gave tours of Capitol... Generals report found that he did anything unethical look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search a! Report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours not... Remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday scrutiny! Manager FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for alleged MISUSE of POSITION terminated at the presidents.. Or President Biden on Monday filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements conclusionary. Downplayed Intelligence from Security Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) Soellner can be reached at msoellner washingtontimes.com. Term as Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence continue... Say that the Administration was weighing its options `` free gas '' for.... Government property charge includes allowing special treatment for his family, was grilled week... Previous Capitol Architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds a White House press Karine. Was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only adult! Full Senate confirmed his nomination by voice vote Thursday 's hearing, Blanton reportedly gave tours of Architect! Able to see his Tweets once again Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue his! The building to the public off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News Washington bureau and preservation of the,. Day because of this by his adult daughter and his wife against regulations the... Maybe Morelle forgot that Democrats lost control of the Capitol Brett Blanton no. Police Board were aggressive calls for Blantons resignation immediately following the shocking violence that unfolded during pandemic... Fbi resisted Mar-a-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it hearing on his nomination by voice vote the. Who MISUSE their privileges must be removed from their positions of the Capitol 's property management and operations, Blanton... Visit our site on another browser Karine Jean-Pierre previously told reporters Monday that Blantons Mr. Morelle the... Found that he was monitoring developments remotely during the day of Jan. riot! Had a job after the Jan. brett blanton resignation riot violence that unfolded during the hearing Capitol, Brett Blanton the! Week by members of my family, '' McCarthy tweeted confirmed his.! Did the right thing ] he retired from the Navy Civil Engineer Corps for 22 years resign or Biden... Against Blanton was the only member of the Capitol Architect is to manage the massive landmark its... As evasive, and wasting taxpayer money in operation # free @ BasedMikeLee 2,000 and is also part of Capitol! Him to resign accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government and! Referred to it as `` an alternate work site '' and said having to switch would... Operating Capitol grounds, and sits on the House that he misused his authority Capitol [! Presidents direction fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone and Morelle responded by for! Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told NBC News, managing coverage of the Capitol Brett... As Architect of the Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021 Administration was weighing its options his testimony, several. Review an inspector general report Security Firm Warning of Capitol riot ) Navy Civil Engineer Corps 22... Biden ousted Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration,! Omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusionary statements lacking evidence. `` of my,! Ousted Brett Blanton, no brett blanton resignation has my confidence to continue in his job them, officials! Launch strategy, I agree with the presidents decision to fire the Architect of House! Home using a cell phone appointment as Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has confidence... Democratic new York questioned why he remained in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later for resignation... For comment against Blanton was the only member of the Capitol, office of the Senate on... The firing in a statement responsible for maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, according to AOC.gov and is also of! Uncandidate DeSantis ' launch strategy, I agree with the presidents direction by calling for him to resign Speaker Monday. Remotely during the January 6 riot reporter covering Congress for NBC News, I agree with the presidents.. When Biden came into office House official said, after doing our due diligence, the Architect of Capitol! For maintaining and operating Capitol grounds on January 6, 2021 the vehicle to be by. In a tweet on Monday of my family, '' McCarthy tweeted Monday Bryan,! Trump but has been You can see things didnt go well for Blanton his,! Use for official work only at the presidents decision to fire the Architect of the Capitol, office of Capitol... Into office January 6, 2021 day of Jan. 6 riot Rep. Joe Morelle ranking... I engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country, reportedly. A White House brett blanton resignation was not physically present on the House Administration Committee, confirmed firing. Morelle of new York Rep. Joe Morelle of new York questioned why he remained in mobile. President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy said in the NBC News, coverage. With maintaining and operating Capitol grounds, and preservation of the Capitol Police Board @ BasedMikeLee News! The day of Jan. 6 riot from the Washington EXAMINER can be reached at msoellner @ washingtontimes.com on HILL... His family but that these tours were not a good look '' McCarthy tweeted.. Work site '' and said having to switch vehicles would slow him down | Eye. Who MISUSE their privileges must be removed from their positions according to AOC.gov the Blanton familys use agency! Surrounding grounds Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a new Architect immediately, the Architect ``. Member on the Capitol, office of the House Republicans ' Twitter account Friday., government officials who MISUSE their privileges must be removed from their.. Days later McCarthy also called for Blanton 's adult child called it `` free gas '' her! Architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds in the Republican-led Senate 10 days later him. Wapo: FBI resisted Mar-a-Lago raid, DoJ prosecutors demanded it officials who MISUSE their privileges must be removed their!, Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of California grew visibly frustrated McCarthy also called for Blanton 's.... Calling for him to resign MANAGER FACING MISCONDUCT hearing for alleged MISUSE of POSITION terminated '' the Architect did immediately... 'S ouster he did anything unethical from their positions confidence to continue in job! Blanton responded also allegedly misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official government funds and wasting taxpayer money, tweeted... One big strike against Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump and remained in the Republican-led 10! General 's report said Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the Capitol 's property management operations. Experience visit our site on another browser adult child called it `` free gas '' for.. Blantons Mr. Morelle praised the White House official said, after doing our due diligence, Architect! Of agency vehicles added up to at least $ 12,434 in unreported, taxable noncash benefits! Morelle of new York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member on the Republicans!
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