The Trump administration's decision to dismiss at least a dozen federal inspectors general late Friday is drawing significant backlash and raising questions about the legality of the actions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, speaking from the Senate floor, called the firings a "chilling purge" that reflects Trump's fear of accountability and hostility toward facts.
Affected inspectors general were notified via email from the director of presidential personnel, informing them that "due to changing priorities, your position as inspector general... is terminated, effective immediately," as reported by CBS News. The dismissed watchdogs include those from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Small Business Administration. A variety of other agencies such as agriculture, commerce, defense, and the Environmental Protection Agency were also reportedly involved in this sweeping dismissal.
Congress established inspectors general following the Watergate scandal to combat corruption within federal agencies. These appointed officials are meant to act independently, providing oversight and guarding against mismanagement. The administration's actions may contravene a law mandating a 30-day notice and specific justification for the removal of inspectors general.
Hannibal Ware, the Small Business Administration’s inspector general, conveyed concerns in a letter suggesting the firings lacked legal justification. He urged the White House to reconsider its actions, emphasizing their potential invalidity.
Democratic lawmakers quickly denounced the firings, labeling them a "Friday night coup" and an unacceptable encroachment on transparency. Even some Republicans, like Senator Chuck Grassley and Senator Susan Collins, expressed confusion over dismissing individuals whose roles focus on detecting waste and fraud.
As the situation develops, these unprecedented moves by the Trump administration could face legal challenges and further scrutiny from Congress, that could pivotally impact the functioning of watchdog agencies tasked with overseeing federal operations.
