
President Donald Trump has taken action to remove 17 inspectors general from multiple federal agencies, delivering on his promise to reduce bureaucratic resistance within the government. The dismissed officials were informed of their termination through an email sent Friday evening by the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
The inspectors general, tasked with overseeing operations and identifying inefficiencies, were let go from agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of State and Department of Veterans Affairs. These positions are responsible for investigating potential fraud and misconduct within federal operations.
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) has raised concerns about the legality of the firings, pointing to a federal law that mandates a 30-day notice to Congress before an inspector general can be removed. Grassley requested further clarification from the administration regarding whether the law was followed.
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, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), claim that the dismissals undermine government accountability. Warren described the removals as an attempt to eliminate independent oversight and replace the watchdogs with individuals more aligned with Trump’s policies.
Trump fired 17 Inspector Generals from Various Federal Agencies https://t.co/Q7VnmhONzH pic.twitter.com/72xTC94kq1
— Guy Smith (@GuySmith1713057) January 25, 2025
The administration has not commented on the specific reasons for the firings but has made it clear that reshaping the federal workforce is a priority. Over the past week, numerous personnel changes have taken place, with Trump seeking to fill key positions with those who support 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
Notably, Michael Horowitz, the inspector general for the Department of Justice, was not included in the firings. Horowitz previously led an investigation into the FBI’s handling of surveillance warrants during the Russia probe.
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