Following Michael Brown’s very public criticism of Michael Chertoff, rumors are flying that Chertoff’s future is as dismal as Brown’s was immediately following Katrina. The source of that rumor is the ultra-conservative Human Events.
As one source acquainted with the former federal prosecutor and U.S. appellate judge said under promise of anonymity, “They will give [Chertoff] a little time so it won’t hurt his reputation too much, but he’s probably got only a few days left.”
For weeks, Chertoff has been under fire from Capitol Hill and in the media for his performance during the disaster last year. In addition, more criticism has been fuelded by his clash with former FEMA Director Michael Brown in the so-called post-Katrina “blame game.”
This could be a big shake up in the administration. With Bush under fire from other Republicans, he might make this move for damage control. Of course it will have to be asked who is next. This would be the second DHS secretary we have had in the short time the position has been around. Perhaps positions like this aren’t meant for cronies. Of course Bush would never understand that basic principle.