USDA inspector general escorted out by security after refusing to leave office after firing
The inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Phyllis Fong, was reportedly escorted out of her office by security agents on Monday after refusing to comply with her firing by the Trump administration.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Fong had informed her colleagues earlier that she planned to stay in her position, arguing that the White House had not followed proper procedures in its decision to terminate her.
Despite receiving a termination notice on Friday, Fong maintained that the Trump administration had not adhered to federal requirements governing the removal of inspectors general.
Fong, who had served as the department’s inspector general for 22 years, addressed her concerns in an email sent to colleagues on Saturday.
She cited the independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), stating that the organization believed the terminations did not comply with legal requirements and were therefore not valid.
Fong was one of 17 federal inspectors general dismissed by the Trump administration on Friday. The White House sent an email to each of them citing “changing priorities” as the reason for their removal. While traveling on Air Force One, Trump addressed the firings, saying, “It’s a very common thing to do.”
The White House later issued a statement defending the decision, claiming that the inspectors general had been removed to make way for new officials who would better align with the administration’s agenda. “These rogue, partisan bureaucrats… have been relieved of their duties in order to make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect democracy,” the statement read.
The firings have sparked criticism from various quarters, particularly from the CIGIE, which represents federal watchdogs across multiple government agencies.
In a letter to the White House on Friday, the council argued that the dismissals appeared to be in violation of federal law. Critics have pointed specifically to a legal provision requiring the administration to provide Congress with a 30-day notice before removing inspectors general.
The removal of multiple inspectors general in one sweep has raised concerns about the administration’s motives.
Inspectors general serve as independent watchdogs within government agencies, tasked with investigating waste, fraud, and abuse. Their role is intended to be nonpartisan, ensuring accountability within the executive branch.
Fong’s case, in particular, has drawn significant attention because of her long tenure and reputation for independence. Her refusal to step down and subsequent removal by security agents has further fueled the controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s approach to government oversight.
While the administration insists that the firings were a routine exercise of executive authority, opponents argue that they represent an effort to undermine independent oversight.
Congressional leaders have called for further investigation into whether the dismissals were lawful and what impact they may have on government accountability.