[President Trump Fires Inspectors General from Over a Dozen Federal Agencies
President Donald Trump fired the inspectors general from over a dozen federal agencies on Friday night, paving the way for him to install his own picks. The firings have prompted concern from some GOP senators, who say Congress wasn’t given the requisite 30 days notice from the White House.
The inspectors general were terminated from the State Department, Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Defense Department, Interior Department, and Environmental Protection Agency, among others. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, a longtime proponent of inspectors general, is seeking “further explanation” from Trump, citing the lack of notice provided to Congress.
Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville supports the decision, saying “He’s the boss. Fire them all. If they’re doing something against the Constitution and weaponized our Department of Justice, they need to be gone.” Senate Homeland Security Chair Rand Paul believes the president has the power to dismiss the watchdogs, while Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski notes the dismissals are “pretty broad, widespread across many agencies.”
Maine Sen. Susan Collins expressed concern, saying “I don’t understand why one would fire individuals whose mission is to root out waste, fraud and abuse.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move a “chilling purge,” warning that it could kick off “a golden age for abuse in government, and even corruption.” Senate Democrat Elizabeth Warren said Trump “is dismantling checks on his power.” According to Congress, there is a law requiring the White House to provide substantive rationale for terminating any IG.
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