
President Donald Trump dismissed 17 inspectors general from federal agencies late Friday, marking a significant move to restructure the government and remove potential obstacles to his agenda. The officials, who serve as independent watchdogs, were notified of their terminations through an email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
The dismissals affected agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Veterans Affairs and others. Inspectors general are responsible for investigating misconduct and ensuring accountability within their respective agencies.
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 debate over their legality, with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) questioning whether Trump complied with the federal law requiring a 30-day notice to Congress before removing an inspector general. Grassley called for an explanation, stating that such actions should be transparent and justified.
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), have accused Trump of attempting to weaken oversight and install individuals loyal to his administration. Warren described the firings as an attack on government accountability, warning they could create an environment vulnerable to corruption.
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 controversy, Trump’s administration has remained committed to its plan to eliminate bureaucratic resistance and streamline federal operations. The White House has yet to comment on who will replace the dismissed officials or how these changes will affect agency operations.
🚨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
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, known for his role in exposing flaws in the FBI’s Russia investigation, was not among those dismissed. His retention suggests Trump may be selectively keeping officials perceived as aligned with his priorities.
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