It’s not every day you hear about someone being escorted out of their office, especially when they’ve served their organization for over two decades. But that’s exactly what happened to Phyllis Fong, an inspector general with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), after she pushed back against a sweeping decision by former President Donald Trump.
Here’s what went down:
President Trump had recently ordered the dismissal of 17 inspectors general, with Fong among those on the list. Unlike her peers, Fong wasn’t ready to go quietly. According to Reuters, she sent an email to her colleagues, boldly stating that the firings didn’t align with legal requirements and were, in her view, “not effective at this time.”
Despite her defiance, Monday marked her last day in office. Reports initially claimed she was escorted out by security, but the USDA later clarified she left voluntarily, accompanied by two friends—and even stopped for a few selfies on her way out.
Who is Phyllis Fong?
Fong wasn’t just any government official. She had spent 22 years overseeing critical issues like food safety, animal welfare law violations, and audits within the USDA. Her office even investigated Neuralink, the brain implant company owned by Trump’s advisor Elon Musk.
What’s the controversy?
The White House defended Fong’s dismissal, describing the inspectors general as “rogue, partisan bureaucrats.” Their statement argued the move was about replacing them with individuals who would “uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.”
Fong’s departure has sparked debates about the balance of power, the independence of watchdogs, and the importance of accountability in government. Whether you see her as a hero or simply part of a political clash, her story highlights the tension between longstanding institutions and sweeping political changes.
