Federal Whistle-Blowers May Not Be Well-Protected Under Trump

By Louis C. LaBrecque, Bloomberg BNA

The federal government’s mechanisms for protecting whistle-blowers aren’t sturdy enough to counteract a president who made the phrase “you’re fired” a centerpiece of his public image.

That’s according to Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a nonprofit group that advocates on behalf of federal workers in environmental agencies. Ruch said he’s concerned that federal employees may not be adequately protected when they’re told to take actions they believe are contrary to their agencies’ missions.

As president, Donald Trump will have the opportunity to fill some vacant inspector general slots, choose ...