Trump dismisses 17 independent federal inspectors

Sunday 26 January 2025 - 07:50

US President Donald Trump dismissed 17 independent watchdogs from various federal agencies on Friday, removing a critical oversight mechanism and paving the way to replace them with loyalists, according to an informed source.

The inspectors general, representing departments such as State, Defense, and Transportation, were notified of their immediate terminations via email by the White House personnel office. The source, who spoke under anonymity, indicated that the dismissals bypass federal regulations requiring the president to provide Congress with 30 days’ notice and justification for such actions.

An inspector general’s role is to independently investigate and audit allegations of misconduct, waste, and abuse within government agencies. Trump’s move follows his recent return to the presidency, accompanied by efforts to reshape federal institutions by ending diversity programs, rescinding appointments, and sidelining over 150 officials in national security and foreign policy roles.

Despite the sweeping dismissals, the Department of Justice inspector general, Michael Horowitz, reportedly retained his position. Observers noted that many of the terminated officials had originally been appointed during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021.

Critics were quick to condemn the decision. Senator Elizabeth Warren labeled it a "midnight purge" and warned that it undermines checks on presidential authority, raising concerns about potential corruption.