The Trump administration has dismissed approximately 17 independent inspectors general across various federal agencies, raising concerns about the legality and motives behind the sweeping removals. The firings, which began late Friday and took immediate effect, reportedly lacked the 30-day notification to Congress mandated by federal oversight laws.
President Donald Trump confirmed the dismissals, describing them as routine, and stated his intention to appoint “good people” in their place. The Washington Post reported that many of the removed inspectors general were appointees from Trump’s first term, including those overseeing the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Education. However, Michael Horowitz, the Justice Department’s inspector general, was spared. Trump praised Horowitz’s work, specifically his 2019 report on the FBI’s handling of the Russia investigation.
The firings have sparked bipartisan concern. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley criticized the lack of compliance with the required notification process, calling for further explanation from the administration. Democratic leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer, denounced the dismissals as an assault on government oversight, labeling them a potential violation of federal law. Schumer warned the move could signal a period of unchecked government corruption.
Independent oversight groups also weighed in. Hannibal Ware, chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, emphasized that inspectors general operate in a nonpartisan manner and that their removal, while legal, must adhere to established procedures to maintain independent oversight.
The dismissals align with broader efforts by Trump to reshape federal governance during his second term, including proposed cuts to agencies and a crackdown on diversity initiatives. Critics argue that replacing nonpartisan watchdogs with political loyalists undermines accountability and jeopardizes services like Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and IRS fairness.
Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren, expressed alarm, highlighting the essential role inspectors general play in combating waste, fraud, and abuse. Warren described the action as a “purge” that dismantles safeguards against misconduct and opens the door to widespread corruption.
