U.S. President Donald Trump’s firing of 17 inspectors general at multiple government agencies has been criticized as illegal by Democrats and some Republicans. The inspectors general, who are responsible for conducting audits and investigations into allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse of power, were notified of their termination by email from the White House personnel director.
The firings, which took place less than a week after Trump’s second term began, appear to violate federal law, which requires a president to give Congress “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for the dismissals 30 days in advance.
The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, an independent organization that oversees the inspectors general, said in a letter to the White House that the dismissals were “plainly illegal” and suggested that the White House consult with the White House counsel.
Senator Adam Schiff, a longtime Democratic antagonist of Trump, called the firings a “clear violation of the law” and said that Trump is trying to “refill the swamp” by replacing independent watchdogs with loyalists.
Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the firings and said that he wants to know why Trump fired the inspectors general. Senator John Barrasso, also a Republican, defended Trump’s decision, saying that some of the inspectors general “deserve to be fired.”
The firings have also drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, including Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who called the dismissals a “chilling purge” and a preview of a “lawless approach” by the Trump administration.
Among the inspectors general fired was John Sopko, the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, who was terminated on Friday evening even though his operation is due to close in September.
