Trump fires at least 12 inspectors general, citing ‘changing priorities’: report

According to CBS News, inspectors general were informed of their terminations via an email from the White House, which cited "changing priorities" as the reason. The dismissals were effective immediately. Agencies affected reportedly include the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Small Business Administration.

Critics argue that Trump’s actions violate a federal law requiring Congress to receive 30 days' notice, along with a detailed explanation, before the dismissal of any inspector general. Just two years ago, Congress added a provision that requires such notices to include a “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons.”

While the precise number of firings remains unclear, sources have provided varying accounts. Two individuals familiar with the matter told the New York Times that 17 inspectors general were removed, while another said the number was at least 12, per the New York Times. The White House confirmed “some” were fired but did not provide a list of individuals affected.

Democrats have accused Trump of trying to undermine the independent offices. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the firings as a threat to governmental integrity.

“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.”

The move has also drawn some criticism from Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa. “There may be good reason the I.G.s were fired,” Grassley said. “We need to know that, if so. I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30-day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress.”