
President Donald Trump has dismissed 17 inspectors general across various federal agencies, a sweeping action aimed at restructuring oversight within the government. The officials were informed of their termination through an email sent by the White House Presidential Personnel Office late Friday.
The inspectors general were removed from key agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of State and the Department of Veterans Affairs. These officials were responsible for conducting investigations into government waste and misconduct, acting as independent watchdogs to ensure accountability.
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
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a long-time advocate for government oversight, raised concerns about the legality of the firings. He pointed to federal law requiring the president to notify Congress 30 days before removing any inspector general. Grassley stated that an explanation from the White House is necessary to clarify whether the dismissals followed proper procedures.
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
Critics of the move, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), accused Trump of attempting to weaken government oversight and fill positions with individuals loyal to his administration. She characterized the firings as an attack on the checks and balances meant to hold government agencies accountable.
Trump fired 17 Inspector Generals from Various Federal Agencies https://t.co/Q7VnmhONzH pic.twitter.com/72xTC94kq1
— Guy Smith (@GuySmith1713057) January 25, 2025
Despite the backlash, Trump’s administration has remained firm in its effort to eliminate opposition within the federal workforce. This action follows a series of measures aimed at reshaping the government to better align with his policy goals.
🚨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
Meanwhile, Michael Horowitz, inspector general for the Department of Justice, was not included in the list of firings. Horowitz gained national attention for his investigation into the FBI’s handling of the Russia probe, which revealed multiple errors in surveillance applications.
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