Trump Nominates Project 2025 Co-Author As Interior Inspector General
President Trump last week nominated Dennis Kirk to be inspector general at the Interior Department, a job that now awaits Senate confirmation.[1] The post would oversee any review of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, which has prompted Democratic calls for an inspector general probe.[1]
Kirk co-wrote part of the conservative Project 2025 policy playbook and served as an associate director at the Heritage Foundation.[1] He also worked as an adviser to former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.[1]
Former Interior inspector general Mark Greenblatt criticized the nomination and urged the Senate to reject Kirk, saying the pick raised questions about watchdog independence.[1] The White House issued a statement defending Kirk and said it looked forward to his confirmation.[1]
Democrats asked for an Interior inspector general probe after the pool developed a peeling liner and major algae growth during a rushed, no-bid renovation earlier in 2026.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- President Trump last week nominated Dennis Kirk as Interior Department inspector general, subject to Senate confirmation.
- Kirk co-wrote part of the conservative Project 2025 policy playbook and worked as an associate director at the Heritage Foundation and as an adviser to former DNI Tulsi Gabbard.
- Democrats have requested an Interior inspector general investigation into the rushed, no-bid renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which suffered peeling liner and major algae growth earlier in 2026.
- Former inspector general Mark Greenblatt criticized the nomination and called on the Senate to reject Kirk, citing concerns about watchdog independence.
- The White House on Tuesday issued a statement defending Kirk and saying it looks forward to his confirmation.
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