keaukaha, thank you for your comment.  I also worked in government service for 35 years during which I was involved in the conduct of several investigations of people facing possible disciplinary action.  I agree there are situations that warrant immediate removal from assigned duties while the investigation is being conducted, but that is discretionary based on the circumstances of each case.  We do not know exactly what Yates told the White House and whether it would have justified the immediate removal from his job.  I do not believe Trump and Pence would have allowed him to continue his duties if the info they were given rose to that level.