Biden dismisses scandal-plagued Capitol manager

The White House has removed the Capitol complex’s top manager from his post following a series of misconduct revelations that prompted calls for his axing by top lawmakers in both parties, according to a White House official.

Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton will depart seven years before his term is up under pressure from lawmakers across the Capitol. He faced a crescendo of criticism following a heated oversight hearing last week that centered on an internal watchdog report that catalogued his broad misuse of department resources.

The Architect of the Capitol oversees a massive portfolio, including the preservation and upkeep of more than 17.4 million square feet of both historic and modern facilities as well as 580 acres on the Capitol campus and the management of more than 2,000 employees.