Trump fires 17 government watchdogs at various federal agencies

Late Friday, President Donald Trump dismissed 17 independent inspectors general from various federal agencies, continuing his rapid reshaping of the government. The firings affected key agencies such as the Defense, State, Energy, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Veterans Affairs departments. The dismissed officials were informed by email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office, as reported by the Washington Post.

One of the ousted inspectors general described the move as a “widespread massacre,” warning that the new appointees will be viewed as Trump’s loyalists, which undermines the integrity of the oversight system.

Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed concerns that Trump’s actions could violate federal law, which mandates a 30-day notice to Congress before firing independent watchdogs. He called for clarification from the president on the reasons behind the dismissals. The White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Inspectors general play a crucial role in investigating government fraud, waste, and abuse, operating independently of the administration. The mass firings are part of Trump’s ongoing effort to restructure the federal bureaucracy, following previous moves to dismantle diversity programs, rescind job offers, and sideline national security and foreign policy officials who oppose his agenda.

Notably, Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, known for overseeing the FBI's Russia investigation, was not among those dismissed.

Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the move, calling it a “purge of independent watchdogs,” and accused Trump of dismantling checks on presidential power, paving the way for corruption.

During his first term, Trump had already fired five inspectors general in quick succession. Last year, President Joe Biden removed the inspector general of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board after an investigation revealed a hostile work environment.

In 2022, Congress passed reforms designed to strengthen the protections for inspectors general, requiring the president to explain their removal to prevent politically motivated dismissals.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.