The OIG considered the suggestion unsettled.
” We stand by Ambassador Johnson and look forward to him continuing to ensure our unique relationship with the UK is strong,” the spokesperson continued.
The guard dog reported that the arrival of Johnsons choice to change the deputy chief of objective, Yael Lempert, a profession foreign service officer with previous posts in Egypt and North Africa, enhanced communication and increased self-confidence amongst the staff.
The bureau declined the suggestion, the just one of 22 suggestions made in the OIG report it disagreed with, arguing that Johnson had taken actions to examine the agencys policies and training on work environment harassment and instructed staff to do the exact same.
His actions further came under the examination of the leading Democrat with oversight of the State Department. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot EngelEliot Lance EngelEngel: IG report reveals Pompeos sham use of emergency declaration in arms sales Overnight Defense: Trump pressed to restore complete National Guard funding|Guard dog faults Pompeo on civilian risk of Saudi arms sales Bowman stops briefly recommendation of Alex Morse after accusations of inappropriate sexual relations MORE (D-N.Y.) required Johnson to testify about his habits in front of the panel by Sep. 30.
The OIG report does not enter the specifics of the comments Johnson made that personnel discovered improper, saying that personnel reported in interviews that the ambassador “in some cases made insensitive or unsuitable comments on topics typically thought about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)- sensitive, such as color, sex, or religious beliefs.”
His actions even more came under the analysis of the top Democrat with oversight of the State Department. Watchdog faults Pompeo on civilian danger of Saudi arms sales Bowman pauses endorsement of Alex Morse after allegations of improper sexual relations MORE (D-N.Y.) called for Johnson to testify about his habits in front of the panel by Sep. 30.
President TrumpDonald John TrumpDemocrat calls on White House to withdraw ambassador to Belarus candidate TikTok gathered data from mobile devices to track Android users: report Peterson wins Minnesota House main in essential swing district MOREs envoy to the United Kingdom made improper discuss religion, race and sex and threatened staffs jobs if they disagreed with him, according to a watchdog report launched Wednesday.
The OIG report discovered that Johnsons arrival in London in 2017 was marked by an immediate clash with the No. 2 at the embassy, the deputy chief of mission. Their relationship weakened over the course of the year and ended with the workers reassignment.
Robert “Woody” Johnson, the U.S. ambassador to the U.K., was highlighted in the report as pushing away staff, implicating them of being disloyal and making unsuitable remarks that possibly violated work laws.
The OIG evaluation, which took a look at the U.S. Embassy in London and constituent posts in the United Kingdom, generally offered a positive review of the ambassadors activities over his tenure.
The bureau stated that it would work with the Office of Civil Rights to provide more training and suggestions to all staff, consisting of the ambassador, to “heighten awareness on these essential issues.”
An embassy spokesperson told The Hill that “Ambassador Johnson is totally focused on the important diplomacy concerns that represent our Special Relationship with the United Kingdom, consisting of working out an unprecedented open market contract, helping our economies emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic more powerful than ever, and protecting our nations against the full variety of risks we face.”
Johnson denied the claims at the time, writing on Twitter that he had “followed the ethical rules and requirements by my office at all times. These incorrect claims of insensitive remarks about race and gender are totally inconsistent with my longstanding record and values.”
But in spite of this, it recommended that the State Departments Bureau of Europe and Eurasian Affairs, dealing with the departments Office of Civil Rights, examine the ambassadors compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity laws and take appropriate action based on the evaluation.
The bureau further said the ambassador “is aware of his obligation to set the right tone for his mission and we think his actions show that.”
The State Department Office of Inspector General (OIG) report follows reporting last month by CNN that Johnson, the billionaire co-owner of the New York Jets, had made a number of racist and sexist remarks, such as questioning why African Americans need a Black History Month and suggesting women were less expensive labor who worked harder, amongst other allegations.
” As noted in the report, the Office of Inspections conducts methodical and independent evaluations of the operations of the Department. This inspection belonged to that regular schedule. The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse office and to upholding Department Equal Employment Opportunity concepts.”
” As kept in mind in the report, the Office of Inspections carries out systematic and independent evaluations of the operations of the Department. The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs is committed to cultivating a varied and inclusive office and to maintaining Department Equal Employment Opportunity principles.”
Staff even more said that Johnson was combative when he felt people were resistant to his suggestions, questioning staff objectives and suggesting that he might have them replaced. The OIG remarks that personnel kept back their best judgement in worry of the ambassador.
A State Department spokesperson informed The Hill that Johnson “is a valued member of the team who has led Mission UK honorably and expertly.”
