Donald Trump has fired a senior intelligence official who played a part in triggering an impeachment trial of the American leader last year.
In a letter to key lawmakers, Trump said he had lost confidence in Michael Atkinson, the inspector general of the US intelligence community, was removing him him in 30 days.
"It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general. This is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general," Trump explained.
Thomas Monheim, a career intelligence professional, will step in his position for the time being.
Atkinson had determined that an anonymous whistle-blower's complaint in August that alleged that Trump had sought political favours from Ukraine was credible.
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