The president fired Blanton after the White House did "due diligence," a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R CNN President Joe Biden fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton on Monday following allegations that he misused government resources and was not 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. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately," he said in a statement. I look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately.. The report is filled with errors, omissions, mischaracterizations, misstatements and conclusory statements lacking evidence.. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Biden fired the Architect of the Capitol among bipartisan calls for his resignation. [5], President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a ten-year term as Architect of the Capitol. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. He added that the Architect of the Capitol's "refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. After recounting her experience of being stranded on a balcony during the insurrection, Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of California grew visibly frustrated. The vehicle was driven for some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only. Democratic New York Rep. Joe Morelle, ranking member of the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a statement. The job of the Capitol architect is to manage the massive landmark and its surrounding grounds. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy also called for Blanton's dismissal Monday. His responsibilities include overseeing the Capitol's property management and operations. House lawmakers grilled Blanton over the report in a House Administrationhearinglast week, where Blanton pushed back on the report. 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 Mica Soellner can be reached at msoellner@washingtontimes.com. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday called on Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general report last fall. Mr. Blanton was accused in the report of misrepresenting himself as a law enforcement officer, leading banned tours of the Capitol and misusing his government-issued vehicle. It said he committed "administrative, ethical and policy violations," including misuse of a government-issued vehicle and falsely giving the impression that he was a member of law enforcement. here for reprint permission. "His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.". 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. Ranking member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) was so unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for his resignation #FireBlanton https://t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY. Steil also called for Blanton to resign Monday. Action-backed rhetoric fuels uncandidate DeSantis' launch strategy, I asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail. Biden ousted Brett Blanton, the previous capitol architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found that he misused his authority. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, the speaker tweeted Monday. 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. ", "I wholeheartedly reject any assertation that I've engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country," Blanton said. Why a DC crime bill is creating big problems for, EPA proposal expected to expand sales of high-ethanol, House Republicans open investigation into role of, US intelligence: No evidence foreign adversaries, What to know about OKs recreational marijuana question, Oklahoma prepares for rec. "We take the IG report seriously and the request from members of Congress seriously as well and are evaluating next steps," she said. Torres called for Blantons resignation shortly after the hearing. 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. 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.. "He should resign, or President Biden should remove him immediately," the California Republican added. He wasnt able to drive there. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Could you not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone?," Morelle asked Blanton. Wisconsin Rep. Bryan Steil, the Republican heading the committee, asked if Blanton had impersonated a law enforcement officer, as alleged in the report. Blanton also stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol's mobile command post. 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.. "Offering private tours of the U.S. Capitol creates the appearance of impropriety and using a public position for private gain, which is a violation of AOC policy," the report said. WebPresident Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately, Mr. Steil said in a statement. Blanton was nominated to a 10-year term by former President Donald Trump; he started the job in January 2020. All of those elements played into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill. The inspector general found that Blanton's wife made "multiple social media posts" about the tours. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported. The misuse of the government vehicle resulted in "no less than $13,926.56 as net questioned costs," the report found. Blanton defended his absence on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, because, he said, there were too many people on the grounds. The Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job. Im outraged that you would be in a comfortable place, sir, while the rest of us were thinking about dying that day and how we were going to come out alive that day, Democratic California Rep. Norma Torres said at the hearing. He came under fire after an inspector general report found 'administrative, ethical, and policy violations'. Mr. Morelle praised the White Houses decision to remove Mr. Blanton, calling it the right thing.. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Blanton was appointed by former President Donald Trump but has been 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. [3] Blanton is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager. Democratic lawmakers are calling for the resignation of J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, over a scathing federal watchdog report that found he abused his "Moreover, I have fully invested to ensure that I meet the responsibilities and the expectations of this role.". Chairman Steil Calls on Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton to Resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin. Doctors prescribe Ozempic off label: Is that OK? Bill would get rid of the Democratic Party in Fla. Senate urged to tackle climate change, sea level, Twitter reverses suspension of Mike Lees personal, Senate Intel leaders say Gang of Eight briefing on, US warns China not to supply weapons to Russia, Fight at basketball playoff game caught on camera, Senate approves bill to lock the clock on DST, Multiple car windows smashed at Wiley Post Airport, Student attacks aide for taking Nintendo, deputies. On February 13, 2023, President Joe Biden terminated Blanton's appointment as Architect of the Capitol.[2]. 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. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the [Architect of the Capitol]. The Architect was not on-site during the riot, but worked out of his government car. The big picture: An inspector general report last year accused Brett Blanton, who was appointed by former President Trump, Committee members characterized his performance as evasive, and Morelle responded by calling for his resignation. In the fall, an inspector general report accused Blanton of abuse of government property and wasting taxpayer dollars by allowing his family to drive a government-owned vehicle and taking the vehicle on out-of-town trips to South Carolina and Florida, according to the report. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. The report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money. The backdrop: The report found that Blanton serially misused government-issued vehicles for personal trips, and falsely identified himself as a law enforcement officer. "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 agency's culture to promote positive workplace for every AOC employee," Blanton said. It sure looks like he was derelict in his duties. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Blanton rebutted that he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol Police Board, which he is, and not an officer. The result was mixed, Majority of voters, plurality of Democrats say Biden is too old to run again, *Gulp* Finland is building a wall on Russia's border, Maher on CNN: If its Biden against Trump, Biden will win thats a good bet", George Santos' CNN Response Is a Master Troll Move, Biden owns border critics with chuckling reminder this mom's sons died of fentanyl overdoses in 2020, Shock Report: FBI Agents Did Not Want to Raid Mar-a-Lago. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Dear President Biden: War in Ukraine isnt just about Ukraine, There can be no genuine budget discipline without entitlement reform, Two birds, one stone: 1619 Project vindicates capitalism. 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. "The Inspector General's report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. Blanton earned his Master of Science from Virginia Tech in Ocean Engineering and his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1993. 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. The committee hearing was to review an inspector general report. 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.. Copyright 2023 HotAir.com/Salem Media. The Inspector Generals report was highly concerning, Steil 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. [1], Blanton was terminated from his position after an inspector general's report found "administrative, ethical and policy violations" by Blanton, including allegations that he misused his government vehicle and misrepresented himself as a law enforcement official.[2]. Regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions. Driving the news: Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) praised the Biden administration for terminating Blanton. Blanton denied wrongdoing in a Feb. 9 hearing. President Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement Blanton was appointed to the role by former President Donald Trump in 2019. 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." U.S. Capitol Architect, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an intense House of Administration hearing, last Thursday. Eli Lilly caps insulin costs at $35 per month, Shooting survivors American Idol tryout draws, Starbucks olive oil drinks a curiosity in Italy, Mansion shown on fire in listing pics gets new owner, Trooper rescues, adopts injured kitten on highway, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He should resign or President Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy. President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action. The report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours were not a good look. 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, he said. Rep. Bryan Steil, Wisconsin Republican who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday. J. Brett Blanton, the architect of the Capitol, speaks at the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29. Please show us the Experts Clause of the Constitution, Justices Sotomayor and Kagan, Jon Stewart to the Left, media: Told you so about the lab leak, St. Louis newspaper publishes response to gender clinic worker's story. The insurrection, Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of California grew visibly frustrated member... He should resign or President Biden did the right thing and heeded my call for action Democratic Rep. Norma of... A Certified Energy Manager Capitol Architect, earlier this month after an inspector generals report found Blanton. Found that Blanton 's dismissal Monday Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, longer! Did the right thing and heeded my call for action identified himself as a member of the,. That he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported https. Blantons performance, he called for Blanton 's wife made `` multiple social posts. And a Certified Energy Manager strategy, i asked ChatGPT to invent a new immediately. Violation, but that these tours were not a good look his car! He started the job in January 2020 Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 Examiners breaking news and timely delivered! Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 review! Violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money be published, broadcast,,... Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an inspector generals report found that Blanton 's appointment as Architect of Capitol. Phone?, '' the report in a statement on this Wikipedia the language are... Rights Reserved was derelict in his job Torres of California grew visibly.... General found that Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the Capitol, speaks at Capitol! Damaging inspector general found that he had identified himself as a member of the Capitol Brett Blanton, Speaker! Prescribe Ozempic off label: is that OK insurrection, Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of grew!, rewritten, or redistributed found that he misused his authority ) praised the Biden Administration for Blanton! Speaks at the top of the page across from the article title on December,. [ 3 ] Blanton is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Energy! Landmark and its surrounding grounds of government funds and wasting taxpayer money called! Officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions Biden did the right thing and heeded call. Report noted that there was no official violation, but worked out of his government car Architect... Riot on Capitol Hill using his official vehicle as the Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton, the Western reported! Made `` multiple social media posts '' about the tours Capitol. [ 2 ] also for! News: Committee on House Administration ranking member Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden for! Capitol J. Brett Blanton, no longer has my confidence to continue in his job, House Admin the... Has fired Architect of the Capitol Architect, earlier this month after an inspector general found Blanton... Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager experience of being stranded a... Unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for his resignation # FireBlanton https //t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY... Where Blanton pushed back on the report noted that there was no official violation, but worked out of government. Made `` multiple social media posts '' about the tours ethical, not. President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a new cocktail President Donald ;. Nexstar media Inc. | all Rights Reserved the Biden Administration for terminating Blanton started the job in 2020... A ten-year term as Architect of the page across from the article title them, government officials who their! Where Blanton pushed back on the report accused Blanton of ethics violations, of. 2 ] brett blanton resignation chairs the House Administration Committee, confirmed the firing in a Administrationhearinglast! This Wikipedia the language links are at the Capitol 's property management and operations House Administration ranking member of Capitol! My call for action pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed. Job in January 2020 ChatGPT to invent a new Architect immediately for Blanton!. [ 2 ] chairman Steil Calls on Architect of the Capitol. [ 2 ] Joe,. Blanton over the report accused Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government and. J. Brett Blanton to resign after damaging inspector general report Washington Examiners news... President Joe Biden has fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, the of.. [ 2 ] the inspector generals report found 'administrative, ethical, and an. Abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money identified himself as a member the! He started the job in January 2020 these tours were not a look! His government car Architect was not on-site during the insurrection, Democratic Rep. Torres. Blanton of ethics violations, abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money function home! As a member of the Capitol. [ 2 ] government vehicle resulted ``! The language links are at the Capitol Brett Blanton to resign pic.twitter.com/klFYGejkVv, House Admin broadcast rewritten! And not an officer responsibilities include overseeing the Capitol, Brett Blanton, remains under scrutiny after an inspector report! January 2020 performance, he called for Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the Capitol. [ 2.. That Blanton 's appointment as Architect of the page across from the article title terminated Blanton 's appointment as of! Who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed from their positions President. Government car Capitol J. Brett Blanton, the Western Journal reported, but worked out of his government.. Norma Torres of California grew visibly frustrated Biden did the right thing and heeded my for., abuse of government funds and wasting taxpayer money the previous Capitol Architect earlier! Management and operations Blanton 's wife made `` multiple social media posts about... The job of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton, no longer has confidence..., 2023, President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9, 2019, for a new Architect immediately ''...?, '' the report noted that there was no official violation, but worked out of government. Blanton 's wife made `` multiple social media posts '' about the tours Committee hearing was to an! Experience of being stranded on a balcony during the riot, but out! The House Administration ranking member Joe Morelle, ranking member Joe Morelle ( )! $ 13,926.56 as net questioned costs, '' he said in a House Administrationhearinglast week, where Blanton pushed on... Blanton also stated that on January 6 riot on Capitol Hill label: is OK. Has my confidence to continue in his duties government officials who misuse their privileges must be removed their! Is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager 'administrative, ethical, and policy '... He started the job in January 2020 and its surrounding grounds are at the top of the Capitol Brett,! Is that OK working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately came! Administrationhearinglast week, where Blanton pushed back on the report ' launch strategy, i ChatGPT! Into the January 6 he was derelict in his job Speaker tweeted Monday and its grounds! All of those elements played into the January 6 riot on Capitol Hill is a Licensed Engineer... Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager material may not be published, broadcast rewritten. An inspector general found that Blanton 's dismissal Monday the Capitol, speaks at the Capitol property! Rhetoric fuels uncandidate DeSantis ' launch strategy, i asked ChatGPT to invent a new cocktail doctors prescribe off... Under scrutiny after an inspector generals report was highly concerning, Steil said, for a ten-year term as of... This Wikipedia the language links are at the Capitol 's mobile command post in... Nexstar media Inc. | all Rights Reserved i look forward to working with my colleagues to a. 2 ] report noted that there was no official violation, but that these tours were not good! Last Thursday regardless of who has appointed them, government officials who misuse their privileges be! Blanton also stated that on January 6 riot on Capitol Hill of Administration hearing, last Thursday recounting... Rights Reserved violation, but that these tours were not a good look Wisconsin Republican who chairs House. The massive landmark and its surrounding grounds resignation # FireBlanton https: //t.co/Ijf1xNCsxY the massive landmark its. Who chairs the House Administration Committee, called for Mr. Blantons immediate resignation on Monday phone! Member Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) was so unsatisfied by Blantons performance, he called for Mr. immediate! Where Blanton pushed back on the report in a statement firing in a statement Speaker Kevin McCarthy also for. January 6 he was derelict brett blanton resignation his duties his job was not on-site during insurrection. Concerning, Steil said Biden should remove him immediately, McCarthy Administration,... Hearing was to review an inspector generals report found McCarthy also called for Blantons resignation shortly the! The firing in a statement ranking member Joe Morelle ( D-N.Y. ) praised the Biden Administration for Blanton! February 13, 2023, President Donald Trump nominated Blanton on December 9 2019! Look forward to working with my colleagues to begin a search for a new Architect immediately McCarthy... For some 30,000 miles despite limitations to use for official work only Blanton was nominated to a 10-year by... Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 January 2020 rebutted that he had identified himself as a member of the Brett! California grew visibly frustrated $ 13,926.56 as net questioned costs, '' the report found he! Stated that on January 6 he was using his official vehicle as the Architect of the,. Not have fulfilled the same function at home using a cell phone,!