The Trump administration dismissed over a dozen federal inspectors general, citing "changing priorities." This move has sparked debate about potential violations of the Inspector General Act of 1978. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the lack of a 30-day notice to Congress, a legal requirement. The firings raise concerns about oversight and transparency in federal agencies. What implications could this have for accountability and the integrity of governmental operations moving forward?
Although intended to guarantee government accountability, the recent firings of multiple federal inspectors general have raised concerns about potential violations of the Inspector General Act of 1978. The law mandates a 30-day notice to Congress before an inspector general (IG) can be removed, along with detailed reasoning for such actions. The Trump administration's failure to provide the required notice or substantive explanations—citing only "changing priorities"—has prompted questions about the legality of the dismissals.
Critics argue that the firings undermine inspector independence, a cornerstone of the IG system designed to ascertain transparency and accountability across federal agencies. At least 17 IGs from multiple agencies were dismissed, including those at the Departments of State, Agriculture, Interior, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Education, Labor, and Defense. Other affected agencies include the Small Business Administration, U.S. Energy Corp., and the Environmental Protection Agency. The mass firings were interpreted as an attempt to disrupt governmental oversight.
Notable among the terminated IGs were both Obama and Trump appointees, suggesting the move was not limited to political adversaries. The Inspector General of the Department of Justice, Michael Horowitz, an Obama appointee, appears to have survived the firings. Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the dismissals. Steve Linick, who was investigating Secretary Pompeo's misuse of resources, was removed as State Department IG in 2020, sparking bipartisan criticism.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Joni Ernst emphasized the importance of inspector independence, while Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described the firings as a potential violation of federal law. Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) labeled the move a "Friday night coup," accusing it of eroding transparency and accountability. Advocacy group American Oversight echoed these concerns, calling the firings an attack on the integrity of the IG system.
The firings are not unprecedented; similar actions occurred in April and May 2020, affecting five cabinet departments. Critics viewed those dismissals as retaliatory and an attempt to weaken oversight mechanisms. The recent firings align with conservative blueprints advocating for the replacement of IGs to dismantle the so-called "deep state."
Less than a week into Trump's second term, the move tests Congress's resolve to uphold the independence of federal watchdogs and ascertain accountability measures remain intact.
