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FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2002

The top aide to Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb was fired today and has requested the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington, D.C., investigate alleged retaliation.

Wayne Smith said he was ousted because he refused to bow to White House pressure over a small California tribe whose leadership is in dispute. A Department of Interior spokesperson denied the charges to the AP, saying he was fired for personnel actions.

The White House also denied that it was pressuring Smith to recognize a woman who wants to build a casino on the Buena Vista Me-Wuk Rancheria.

Get the Story:
No. 2 BIA Alleges Firing Retaliation (AP 5/24)

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