DOJ Watchdog Nominee Moves Closer to Senate Confirmation (1)

June 18, 2026, 1:45 PM UTCUpdated: June 18, 2026, 2:25 PM UTC

Donald Berthiaume, the president’s choice for Justice Department inspector general, is a step closer to confirmation after being voted out of a Senate panel.

The veteran federal government watchdog attorney advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday by a tally of 14-8. Berthiaume now heads to the chamber floor where his approval by the full Senate would provide permanent leadership to a DOJ Office of Inspector General that’s been criticized for not investigating the Trump administration’s alleged misconduct.

Berthiaume notched support from all Republicans and two Democrats: Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.) and Mazie Hirono (Hawaii). Whitehouse said the nominee ...

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