‘Paving The Way For Widespread Corruption’: Trump Accused of Violating Federal Law by Firing 17 Inspectors General in Late-Night Purge

Staff Writer
President Donald Trump. (Photo: Archive)

In a move that’s raising serious legal questions, President Donald Trump fired at least 17 inspectors general (IGs) on Friday night, in what some are calling a late-night purge of government watchdogs. Experts quickly noted that the terminations may violate federal law, which requires the president to notify Congress 30 days in advance before firing an inspector general.

The Washington Post first reported that 12 IGs had been dismissed from various agencies, but later reports from The New York Times confirmed that at least 17 had been removed. These IGs hold significant power, investigating potential waste, fraud, and abuse in federal agencies.

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According to sources familiar with the matter, the fired inspectors general were told via emails from the White House personnel director that they were being terminated immediately. The dismissals come at a time when inspectors general have been scrutinizing government activities, including those involving Trump’s administration.

“It’s a widespread massacre,” said one of the fired IGs. “Whoever Trump puts in now will be viewed as loyalists, and that undermines the entire system.” Another dismissed IG pointed out that the president “does not want anyone in this role who is going to be independent.”

The agencies affected included the Departments of Defense, State, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Energy. Interestingly, most of the IGs let go were appointed by Trump during his first term, suggesting a pattern of removing those who could potentially hold him accountable.

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“This is totally unprecedented. It’s what we were fearing,” said one executive at an affected IG office, reflecting growing concerns about the president’s increasing control over government oversight.

Critics have wasted no time condemning the firings. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) slammed the action, calling it an attack on the very institutions designed to root out corruption. “Inspectors general are charged with rooting out government waste, fraud, abuse and preventing misconduct,” Warren said in a statement. “President Trump is dismantling checks on his power and paving the way for widespread corruption.”

One notable exception was Michael E. Horowitz, the Department of Justice’s Inspector General, who was not among those fired. Horowitz, who was appointed by Trump in 2020, has largely stayed out of the crosshairs of the president’s purge.

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The series of firings has sparked fresh questions about Trump’s attitude toward government oversight and his ongoing attempts to weaken checks on his power. Many are now asking whether these actions signal a dangerous precedent, undermining the very mechanisms that hold public officials accountable.

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