President Donald Trump abruptly dismissed at least a dozen internal government inspectors late Friday, sparking widespread controversy. The inspectors general, tasked with critical oversight functions to uncover fraud, waste, and misconduct within federal agencies, were relieved of their duties, according to multiple US media reports.
The move comes during the opening week of Trump’s second term, with The Washington Post reporting that the watchdogs received sudden notifications of their dismissals via emails from the White House personnel director.
Inspectors general are integral to maintaining accountability in government operations. Their mandate includes investigating violations of laws and ethical standards, uncovering corruption, and auditing financial practices across agencies.
The reported dismissals affected oversight bodies within key departments such as Defense, State, Energy, Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Social Security Administration.
“It’s nothing short of a massacre,” one of the ousted inspectors remarked, according to The Washington Post. “Replacements now will likely be seen as loyalists, which completely erodes the integrity of the system.”
Interestingly, many of those fired were initially appointed by Trump during his first term, the report added.
The New York Times, drawing from its own sources, suggested that the scope of the firings could be even broader, with claims that 17 inspectors general were removed. However, the Department of Justice’s watchdog reportedly remained unaffected by the shake-up.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren sharply criticized the actions, describing them as a “midnight purge.” On social media platform X, she stated, “Inspectors general are guardians against government waste, fraud, and abuse. President Trump’s actions are dismantling essential checks on power and laying the groundwork for rampant corruption.”
The firings coincide with Trump’s broader efforts to restructure the federal government. On his first full day back in office, the 78-year-old Republican revealed plans to oust approximately 1,000 perceived opponents from within government ranks.
His second term began with an aggressive series of executive orders aimed at reshaping policies on immigration, citizenship, gender, diversity, and climate change—several of which are already facing legal challenges.
The dismissals mark a dramatic escalation in Trump’s approach to centralizing authority, leaving many to question the future of transparency and accountability within the federal system.
AFP
