Trump Fires 18 Inspectors General in Controversial Move
A senior administration official said the move was an effort to let go of parts of the Biden administration that don’t “align” with the Trump administration.
NEWS
Trump Fires 18 Inspectors General in Controversial Move
President Donald Trump dismissed 18 inspectors general across federal agencies in a highly controversial decision, raising legal and ethical concerns about the independence of government oversight. Among the terminated officials were inspectors general from the Departments of Defense, State, Health and Human Services, and Labor.
The firings, first reported by The New York Times and The Washington Post, were described by the White House as part of efforts to remove individuals tied to the Biden administration and align the agencies with Trump’s vision. A senior White House official stated, "We’re cleaning house of what doesn’t work for us and going forward."
Critics argue the move violates the Inspector General Act of 2022, which mandates a 30-day notice to Congress and substantive reasons before firing an inspector general. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, head of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), who was also fired, emphasized that these dismissals were legally insufficient. In a letter to fellow inspectors general and lawmakers, Ware described the move as a threat to independent government oversight.
The decision prompted bipartisan backlash. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who spearheaded the 2022 legislation, expressed concern, demanding further explanations and noting the lack of the required 30-day notice. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called the firings a "chilling purge" and accused Trump of undermining checks and balances.
Meanwhile, Mark Lee Greenblatt, former inspector general for the Interior Department, warned of potential politicization, questioning whether future appointees would investigate Trump allies impartially.
Democrats and watchdog groups condemned the firings, labeling them an attack on transparency and accountability. Danielle Brian, from the Project on Government Oversight, remarked, "This White House is keen on removing checks and balances."
As criticism mounts, the legality and implications of these dismissals remain under scrutiny, with some lawmakers pledging further investigation.