
President Donald Trump has taken swift action to remove 17 inspectors general from federal agencies, marking a major shift in government oversight. The terminated officials, who were responsible for investigating fraud and abuse, were notified of their dismissals late Friday via email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
The dismissals affected oversight officials in multiple departments, including Defense, State and Veterans Affairs. Inspectors general are tasked with conducting investigations to ensure agencies operate efficiently and without corruption.
NEW YORK TIMES:
Trump has fired 17 inspectors general in a late-night purge of the internal government watchdogs. pic.twitter.com/8CNIdpkxgh
— john jackson (@pvtjokerus) January 25, 2025
The firings have sparked legal concerns, with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) pointing out that federal law mandates a 30-day advance notice to Congress before such terminations occur. He called for the White House to provide further details on the reasoning behind the sudden removals.
Libs freaking out over Trump firing inspectors general
These are Biden-appointed officials
There’s nothing novel about replacing them with Trump appointees
It’d be crazy *not* to do this
Presidents should be able to fire every person in the executive branch other than the VP
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 25, 2025
Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), criticized the move, arguing that it threatens the integrity of government operations. Warren described the action as a direct attack on accountability, warning that it could pave the way for mismanagement and corruption within federal agencies.
Trump fired 17 Inspector Generals from Various Federal Agencies https://t.co/Q7VnmhONzH pic.twitter.com/72xTC94kq1
— Guy Smith (@GuySmith1713057) January 25, 2025
Trump’s administration has defended the move as part of a broader effort to streamline government functions and eliminate resistance to his policies. Throughout his presidency, Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with career bureaucrats he believes obstruct his agenda.
🚨Trump Fires 17 Corrupt and Incompetent IGs🚨
In a Bold Move for Transparency and Accountability, President Trump Overhauls Federal Oversight by Immediately Removing Inspectors General from the Departments of Defense (DOD), State (DOS), Transportation (DOT), Veterans Affairs… pic.twitter.com/aXlyUjVKcf
— Jared Matthew Sewell (@JaredMSewell) January 25, 2025
Despite the widespread firings, Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz was not among those dismissed. Horowitz is known for his critical report on the FBI’s handling of surveillance warrants in the Russia investigation.
Never forget that the January 6 coverup committee was staffed by the former CIA Inspector General, and they advanced numerous false narratives.
President Trump should completely clean out CIA OIG! pic.twitter.com/22jeRU7khO
— 🇺🇸 (@FreeStateWill) December 5, 2024
These compromised IGs have failed miserably in their duties to rein in government corruption & abuse for years now. Good riddance.
Trump fires 17 inspectors general at federal agencies
The inspectors general at agencies including the departments of state, defense and… https://t.co/DEs8N98dSa pic.twitter.com/PUuMJSuSz8
— Prodigal (@ProdigalThe3rd) January 25, 2025
Obama: "We can secure our borders without tearing kids away from their parents."
The DHS Inspector General revealed today that 291,000 children who crossed the border illegally under Border Czar Kamala are unaccounted for. pic.twitter.com/lRJyOPcI6l
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 21, 2024