Gene Dodaro, the U.S. Comptroller General who has spent over five decades at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), is set to retire on December 29. Dodaro's career, which began during the Nixon administration, concludes as his agency plays a central role in ongoing investigations into President Donald Trump's handling of federal funds.

Dodaro’s GAO has been pivotal in scrutinizing the Trump administration's financial maneuvers, issuing several reports that have occasionally put it at odds with the White House. To date, the GAO has delivered 11 opinions on the administration's funding actions, with five indicating unlawful withholding of funds.

Amidst this backdrop, Dodaro jokes about his retirement plans: “I’m going into witness protection,” reflecting the high-pressure nature of his role at a time when the GAO’s impartiality has been publicly questioned by conservative figures and the White House itself.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that only the comptroller general has the authority to sue the administration over certain financial disputes, a decision that surprised Dodaro and added to the complexities of his position. Despite pressures, he has opted for caution over litigation, emphasizing the need to be "in the strongest possible position to prevail."

Senator Susan Collins highlighted the importance of choosing a strong successor to Dodaro, indicating the significant role the next comptroller general will play in continuing these critical financial audits.

Dodaro’s approach during his tenure has not been without controversy or challenge. He successfully resisted an attempt by Elon Musk to downsize the GAO and faced a proposal from House Republicans to halve the agency’s budget. Despite these challenges, his leadership saw the GAO produce impactful reports, such as the identification of fraudulent activities in the Obamacare insurance marketplace and crucial advisories that helped avert potential crises involving weather satellites and pension insurance.

The process to select Dodaro's successor is fraught with its challenges, involving a bipartisan commission tasked with recommending candidates for Trump to nominate. The transition could extend well beyond Dodaro’s departure, marking a critical period for the GAO’s future.

Reflecting on his career, Dodaro believes the strength of the GAO lies not only in its audits but also in its relationships. “We’re not only in the auditing business. We’re in the relationship business,” he stated, crediting his "Italian charm" for some of his successes in navigating the complex waters of Washington, D.C.

As his retirement nears, the focus will increasingly shift to who will next lead the GAO and how the agency will continue its vital role as the government’s top watchdog in an era of heightened political and fiscal scrutiny.