A stunning admission has surfaced regarding the treatment of official portraits within a federal building. An NIH contractor brazenly confessed to deliberately removing and discarding portraits of prominent figures, including President Trump, Vice President Vance, RFK Jr., and the NIH’s director.
The contractor, identified as Joseph Olmert, detailed his actions to an undercover journalist, revealing a clear disdain for those depicted in the artwork. He described a moment of defiance, impulsively tearing the portraits from the walls of the Maryland headquarters.
Olmert didn’t simply remove the portraits; he explicitly stated he “threw those motherf*ckers away,” demonstrating a dismissive attitude toward government property. His words, captured on hidden camera, paint a picture of intentional disrespect and potential criminal activity.
The act of destroying or discarding federal property carries significant legal weight, potentially violating a U.S. code with a maximum penalty of up to ten years imprisonment, depending on the extent of the damage. The implications of Olmert’s confession are now under scrutiny.
When questioned about the incident, NIH officials acknowledged Olmert’s status as an active contractor within the Research Animal Management Branch. However, they offered a carefully worded response, stating they could not confirm individual involvement at this time.
The NIH confirmed receipt of the evidence and stated the matter is being handled internally, with an ongoing investigation by NIH police. They indicated a limited ability to share details while the investigation is underway, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation.
Despite the potential severity of his actions, Olmert appeared unconcerned, even boasting about his defiance. He seemed to relish the act of removing the portraits, expressing a strong negative sentiment towards the individuals portrayed.
The journalist, attempting to gauge the contractor’s awareness of the potential consequences, assured him of confidentiality. Olmert, however, countered with a stark warning: “Federal property is not to be f*cked with,” a statement that seems to acknowledge the gravity of his actions, even as he defends them.
