In a sweeping move to reshape the federal bureaucracy, US President Donald Trump dismissed 17 inspectors general from multiple government agencies late Friday, sources revealed to the New York Times. The unprecedented shake-up, part of efforts to align agencies with presidential priorities, has drawn sharp criticism over concerns about eroding independent oversight.
The firings affected monitors from the top departments, such as State, Defense, and Transportation. The White House personnel director sent them an email notification of their terminations, effective immediately, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity. Michael E. Horowitz, the inspector general of the Justice Department, was not affected by the purge, according to reports.
Under federal law, any removal of an inspectors general requires 30 days’ notice and explanation to Congress, but critics argued that Trump had violated that statute. The White House did not comment on the matter.
Inspectors general monitor independently into alleged waste, fraud, and abuse. Their ouster came amidst a wave of changes ordered by Trump, who has abolished programs for diversity in the workforce, and removed from some national security duties.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the action as a “midnight purge,” saying it sets the stage for corruption and removes accountability. For her part, Trump ally Sidney Powell defended the decision, characterizing inspectors general as “toothless” and calling for systemic reform.
This is not the first time that Trump has clashed with federal watchdogs. During his first term, he fired five inspectors general in just two months, including the State Department’s IG, who was involved in his impeachment proceedings.
Removals stoke controversies on the role of inspectors general and presidential powers. While the 2022 Congressional action significantly increased protections for the watchdog, the latest trend again shows vulnerability in independent oversight amidst a politicized environment.
