Whistleblower From the Inside - February 3, 2017

Trump Treasury nominee Mnuchin sued in renewed fraud case – Treasury secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin has been accused in a renewed Hollywood movie industry-related fraud case alleging he and 11 other individuals or companies made “repeated misrepresentations” about a film investment deal designed to misappropriate millions of dollars from investors to pay salaries, bonuses, debts and other corporate expenses for Relativity Media, a movie company in which Mnuchin partnered with film producer and financier Ryan Kavanaugh — who was also named in the new lawsuit. USA Today

Was Trump’s decision to fire Yates a retaliatory employment action? – Pursuant to the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, U.S. government employees have a statutory right to “blow the whistle” without suffering retaliation. The WPEA protects federal employees who disclose violations of laws, rules, or regulations and mismanagement. Under the WPEA, a protected disclosure includes a statement that a person in a covered position “believes . . . evidences any violation of any law, rule, or regulation . . .” Yates stated in her letter that, in her opinion, the Executive Order might be unlawful, potentially triggering the WPEA. Forbes

DHS watchdog to investigate rollout of Trump’s refugee order – The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General is investigating the implementation of President Trump’s controversial executive order suspending the U.S. refugee program and curtailing travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. The review, announced late Wednesday, was initiated “in response to congressional request and whistleblower and hotline complaints,” according to a statement. The Hill