President Donald Trump fired at least 12 inspectors general on Friday, a move framed by the administration as part of a broader effort to restructure the federal government.
Critics, however, argue the firings undermine oversight and violate federal laws designed to protect the independence of these watchdog officials.
According to CBS News, the inspectors general were informed of their terminations via email from the White House, which cited “changing priorities” as the reason. The dismissals took immediate effect.
The affected agencies reportedly include the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Small Business Administration.
Federal law mandates that Congress receive 30 days’ notice, along with a detailed explanation, before the dismissal of an inspector general.
A 2021 amendment to this law further requires that such notices provide a “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons.” Critics argue that the administration’s failure to comply with these requirements raises legal and ethical concerns.
The exact number of dismissals remains unclear. Sources cited by The New York Times provided varying figures, with some reporting that 17 inspectors general were removed and others suggesting the number was at least 12. While the White House confirmed that “some” inspectors general were fired, it declined to release a complete list of names or agencies affected.
The firings have drawn widespread criticism from Democrats, who see the move as an attempt to weaken oversight and consolidate power. Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the dismissals as a direct threat to government accountability.
“Inspectors general are charged with rooting out government waste, fraud, abuse, and preventing misconduct,” Warren said in a statement. “President Trump is dismantling checks on his power and paving the way for widespread corruption.”
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa also voiced concerns, emphasizing the need for transparency. “There may be good reason the I.G.s were fired,” Grassley stated. “We need to know that, if so. I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30-day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress.”
Inspectors general play a critical role in federal agencies, acting as independent watchdogs to uncover mismanagement, fraud, and abuse of power.
Their offices were established in the wake of the Watergate scandal as a safeguard against government corruption. While these officials are presidential appointees, they are expected to operate independently, regardless of political affiliation.
This latest move adds to Trump’s history of targeting inspectors general who have been critical of his administration. In 2020, he dismissed key officials overseeing the Defense Department, intelligence community, and a special oversight board for a $2.2 trillion pandemic relief package.
The firings mark another flashpoint in the debate over the balance of power within the federal government. As the controversy unfolds, lawmakers from both parties are demanding further explanations for the abrupt dismissals and whether they comply with federal oversight laws.