Waves of Fiarings: Trump Administration Fires About 17 Inspectors General
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has fired about 17 independent inspectors general at government agencies, including officials at the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Education, a move that has raised concerns about the scaling back of independent oversight.
The firings, which began on Friday night, were effective immediately, according to two people familiar with the actions who spoke on condition of anonymity. An email sent by one of the fired inspectors general said “roughly 17” inspectors general had been removed.
President Donald Trump confirmed the move on Saturday, saying it was “a very common thing to do” and that he would “put good people in there that will be very good.”
However, the move has been criticized by members of Congress and watchdog groups, who say it violates federal oversight laws and will allow the government to take advantage of the system.
“I’d like further explanation from President Trump,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Regardless, the 30-day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., acknowledged that the firings violated statutes but shrugged it off, saying “just tell them you need to follow the law next time.”
The role of inspectors general dates back to the post-Watergate era, when Congress installed offices inside agencies to provide an independent check against mismanagement and abuse of power. While inspectors general are presidential appointees, some have served presidents of both parties and are expected to be nonpartisan.
The firings have also raised concerns about the security of the government, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., saying that the mass firings were “alarming” and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., calling them “a purge of independent watchdogs in the middle of the night.”
The Trump administration has dismissed the criticism, with the President saying that he would fill the positions with “good people” who would be “very good.” However, watchdog groups have expressed concern that the move will allow the government to take advantage of the system and suggested that it is a step in the direction of a more authoritarian government.
