
A federal employee who refused to accept her termination was removed from her office by security after attempting to stay in her position. Phyllis Fong, a longtime Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), continued reporting to work after being fired last Friday by President Donald Trump.
THIS is what WINNING looks like 🏆
Security physically REMOVED USDA Phyllis Fong as she refused to accept that she was FIRED by President Trump. pic.twitter.com/rTbHgjBPJH
— Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill10) January 29, 2025
Fong was among 17 inspectors general dismissed as part of a broader shake-up of federal agencies. Despite the clear directive, she insisted that the termination was not legally binding and claimed that the administration had failed to follow federal procedures. The White House dismissed these arguments, stating that Trump had every right to remove executive branch employees.
USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is out.
She led the department that was informed of fraud in the Feeding Our Future program—a $250 million scheme that took funds from hungry children—and did NOT act.
— House Committee on Education & Workforce (@EdWorkforceCmte) January 27, 2025
By Monday, when Fong still had not left her post, security was called in to escort her from the building. Though the USDA later claimed she left voluntarily, reports indicate that she initially resisted and had to be removed.
BREAKING: USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong was reportedly escorted out of her office by security after she refused to leave after President Trump fired her.
Bye bye đź‘‹ pic.twitter.com/ZClXI38Zpr
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 29, 2025
The Trump administration defended the firings, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirming that the president’s decision was final. The White House also indicated that additional dismissals may follow as part of ongoing efforts to reshape federal agencies.
They had to perp walk Phyllis Fong because she refused to accept that elections have consequences. The People have spoken! Get up out of there, Phyllis.
pic.twitter.com/UVd6DbZcEp— Moe Dimanche (@MoeDimanche) January 29, 2025
Fong, who had held her position for 22 years, oversaw investigations into USDA programs, food safety regulations, and government spending. She had previously served as the first chairperson of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.