Trump Fires Up to 17 Inspectors General from 12 Agencies in Late-Night Purge

Jan 25, 2025, 04:34 AM

President Donald Trump late Friday fired the independent inspectors general of at least 12 major federal agencies in a late-night purge, with some reports indicating the number could be as high as 17. The dismissals could pave the way for Trump to install loyalists in the crucial roles tasked with identifying fraud, waste, and abuse within the government. The affected agencies include the Departments of Defense, State, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, and Veterans Affairs. Critics argue that the move violates federal law, which requires Congress to receive 30 days' notice before such dismissals. Notably, most of the inspectors general who were dismissed were appointed by Trump during his first term. One of the fired inspectors general was quoted saying, "It's a widespread massacre. Whoever Trump puts in now will be viewed as loyalists, and that undermines the entire system."