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In a significant development late Friday, the Trump administration executed a widespread dismissal of independent watchdogs across numerous federal agencies, according to multiple media outlets.
The sweeping removals impacted inspectors general in several key departments, including defense, state, transportation, veterans affairs, housing and urban development, interior, and energy, as reported by the Washington Post, citing anonymous sources with knowledge of the situation.
Trump fired 17 inspector generals on Friday night in a purge of government watchdogs !
Trump is cleaning house and setting the deep state back decades! https://t.co/TLmVJRy80c
— Vic DeGrammont (@votedegrammont) January 25, 2025
The New York Times indicated that the purge extended to 17 federal agencies, though notably excluded the Department of Justice’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz.
According to the Washington Post’s coverage, these dismissals potentially breached federal regulations, which mandate a 30-day congressional notification period before removing inspectors general from their positions.
When approached for comment regarding these reports, White House officials did not provide an immediate response.
ICYMI: While you were sleeping…. President Trump was still working.
Donald Trump fires 17 government watchdogs in late night action: Reports https://t.co/2QDxQSvxUT
— Silenced 🐴🐭 Ms. Information (@C19VaxInjured) January 25, 2025
The role of an inspector general serves as an autonomous oversight position, responsible for conducting thorough audits, investigations, and inspections into potential instances of governmental waste, fraud, and abuse. These positions can be terminated by either the president or the respective agency head, depending on the appointment process.
The majority of the dismissed officials were appointees from Trump’s initial term spanning 2017-2021, according to the Post. The affected individuals reportedly received electronic communications from the White House’s personnel director, informing them of their immediate termination.