Paul Martin, the Inspector General of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), was fired on Tuesday, just one day after his office released a report critical of the Trump Administration’s handling of the agency.
Martin, who was appointed during the Biden administration, was terminated effective immediately, according to multiple reports, including CNN and NBC News.
Martin was informed of his dismissal via email from Trent Morse, the Deputy Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel. The message, obtained by NBC News, stated:
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service.”
The USAID Office of Inspector General confirmed Martin’s firing but stated that no official reason was provided for his removal.
The termination came just one day after Martin’s office published a report that criticized the Trump administration’s approach to USAID. The report accused the previous administration of attempting to dismantle or undermine the agency’s operations.
While CNN cited sources suggesting Martin’s firing was linked to the report, the White House has not yet commented on the reasoning behind the decision.
The move has raised questions about political influence over independent watchdog offices, as Inspectors General are traditionally intended to operate without direct political interference. However, previous administrations—including both Trump and Biden—have also dismissed Inspectors General for various reasons.
It remains unclear who will be appointed as Martin’s replacement or how the termination will impact ongoing investigations within USAID.
This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.