Biden fires architect of the Capitol amid alleged wrongdoing, calls for his resignation

President Joe Biden on Monday fired Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton following allegations he misused government resources and was not present on Capitol grounds when the Jan. 6 protest occurred, a White House official said. 

"After doing our due diligence, the architect of Capitol was terminated at the president’s direction," the White House official said, according to CNN. 

Congressional Democrats and Republicans called for his resignation or termination.

A recent inspector general report found Blanton allowed his family to drive a government-owned vehicle, which was taken on out-of-town trips.

"I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country while serving in this particular role," Blanton said in response. "I have taken my commitment to transform the agency’s culture to promote positive workplace for every AOC employee."

At a hearing last week, members of Congress also questioned why Blanton was not present at the Capitol when the Jan. 6 riot occurred.