President Donald Trump is facing accusations of firing government watchdogs to dismantle checks on his power.
Reuters, citing a person with knowledge of the matter, reported that Trump ordered the termination of 17 inspectors general, although the White House has not issued an official announcement.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, was among those who condemned the reported decision as paving the way for widespread corruption.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment.
Why It Matters
Inspectors general are independent officials who investigate claims of waste, fraud and abuse of power. The dismissals appear to violate federal law, which requires that Congress receive reasons for the termination of a Senate-confirmed inspector general 30 days in advance. Trump’s alleged move has been condemned as eliminating critical oversight.
What To Know
According to Reuters, inspectors general at various agencies—including the Departments of State, Defense and Transportation—received emails from the White House on Friday informing them that their posts had been terminated immediately.
Most of the dismissals were officials who had been appointed during Trump’s first presidential term, The Washington Post reported. Michael Horowitz, the inspector general at the Department of Justice, was spared.
Those involved in the Trump transition had signaled such a shake-up was likely, The New York Times reported, and the alleged move by the president is similar to what he did in 2020 when he dismissed five inspectors general from their roles.
While leaders of government agencies and departments may come and go with each administration, an inspector general typically serves under different presidents.
Reports of the firings sparked an immediate backlash among Trump’s critics. Warren said on X, formerly Twitter, that the president had undertaken a purge of independent watchdogs and accused him of dismantling checks on his power.
The entrepreneur Brian Krassenstein called it a “brazen act” that would allow Trump to appoint loyalists to the roles, while public health scientist Eric Feigl-Ding said the move was dangerous.
What People Are Saying
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, wrote on X: “It’s a purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night. Inspectors general are charged with rooting out government waste, fraud, abuse, and preventing misconduct. President Trump is dismantling checks on his power and paving the way for widespread corruption.”
Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, wrote: “Inspectors General are key public servants tasked w/ holding our government accountable. They’re independent, nonpartisan whose work is identifying fraud, waste, & importantly, abuse. Trump just fired them all. Make no mistake: he’s purging those who will protect the rule of law.”
Anne Applebaum, a journalist and author, wrote: “Firing independent watchdogs is straight out of the authoritarian playbook. Removes another obstacle to corruption and abuse of power.”
Sidney Powell, Trump’s former lawyer, wrote: “Existing IGs are virtually worthless. They may bring a few minor things to light but accomplish next to nothing. The whole system needs to be revamped.”
What Happens Next
During the 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to radically reshape the vast federal bureaucracy, which could affect millions of employees across the country.
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