Trump uses mass firing to remove independent inspectors general at agencies
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s administration has dismissed approximately 17 independent inspectors general from various government agencies. This sweeping action has raised concerns among some members of Congress, who argue that it violates federal oversight laws.
The dismissals commenced late Friday night and were enacted immediately, according to sources familiar with the matter. Although the precise number of dismissals has not been confirmed, an email from one of the affected inspectors general indicated that “roughly 17” were removed.
Congress did not receive the legally required 30-day notice prior to these removals, an omission criticized even by some Republican lawmakers. “There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so,” stated Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. “I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30-day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress.”
The White House did not provide immediate comment about the dismissals as President Trump was in Las Vegas giving a speech aimed at fulfilling his campaign promise to eliminate federal taxation on tips.
This action aligns with the Republican president’s agenda early in his second term, which has included significant efforts to reshape the federal government. Trump has employed executive orders to impose hiring freezes, tighten regulations on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and has even suggested the possibility of disbanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency, proposing that disaster recovery should fall to the states affected by major emergencies.
The role of inspectors general was established in the post-Watergate era, to provide oversight against mismanagement and abuses of power within federal agencies. Although these inspectors general are appointed by the president, many have served across different administrations and are expected to maintain nonpartisanship.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., acknowledged that the dismissals contravened legal statutes but dismissed concerns, saying, “Just tell them you need to follow the law next time.”
In contrast, Democrats and watchdog organizations expressed alarm over the firings, suggesting that this move would grant more leeway for potential abuses of power within the government. Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, highlighted the crucial role inspectors general play in preventing misconduct: “Their work saves the taxpayer tens of billions of dollars every year.”
“Yesterday, in the dark of night, President Trump fired at least 12 independent inspector generals at important federal agencies across the administration,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York stated on the Senate floor. “This is a chilling purge and serves as a worrisome indication of the lawlessness we are witnessing in this administration.”
Schumer warned that these dismissals could be violations of federal law and marked a new era of possible corruption within the government.
Many of those removed were initially appointed during Trump’s first term, including inspectors general for the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Education. Notably spared was Michael Horowitz, the long-standing Justice Department inspector general known for his reports on significant criminal investigations over the past decade.
Democrats criticized the mass dismissals vigorously. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., stated that inspectors general are essential for uncovering waste, fraud, and misconduct within the federal government and termed the firings as “alarming.”
Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia, a Democrat and ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, referred to the firings as a “coup to overthrow legally protected independent inspectors general.” He suggested that these changes might allow the administration to fill key roles with loyalists who support Trump’s agenda.
“Replacing independent inspectors general with political hacks will harm every American who relies on social security, veterans benefits, and a fair hearing at the IRS regarding refunds and audits,” Connolly asserted.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts described the actions as a “purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night.” She emphasized that inspectors general are vital for maintaining oversight against waste and abuse in government.
Trump has a history of challenging the authority of independent agency watchdogs. In 2020, he dismissed several key inspectors general, including those overseeing the Defense Department and intelligence community, and even the inspector general designated to oversee the $2.2 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package.
