President Trump fired at least a dozen inspectors general (IGs) from various federal agencies during a late-night purge. This action was taken on January 24, 2025, and involved multiple agencies, including Defense, State, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs among others.
Key Points:
Scope of Dismissals: The number of IGs fired ranged from reports citing at least 12 to as many as 17, according to different sources. Notably, the Justice Department's IG, Michael Horowitz, was not among those fired, having been appointed during the Obama administration.
Legal Concerns: The dismissals appear to contravene a 2022 law that requires a 30-day notification to Congress before any inspector general can be removed, potentially making these actions legally questionable.
Reactions: Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren labeled it a "purge" aimed at dismantling checks on presidential power, paving the way for corruption. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it a "chilling purge" indicative of hostility towards accountability and transparency. Even some Republicans, like Senator Chuck Grassley, expressed concerns over the lack of 30-day notice to Congress.
Implications: Inspectors general are tasked with rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies, providing an essential oversight mechanism. Removing these watchdogs is seen as a move to reduce checks on federal operations, potentially allowing for less scrutiny over government actions and expenditures.
Historical Context: Trump's history with inspectors general has been contentious, having previously dismissed several during his first term, often amidst political controversies or when investigations touched on administration activities.
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