The Trump administration reportedly dismissed at least a dozen federal inspectors general overnight on Friday, a move confirmed by multiple sources, and which is expected to lead to legal challenges.
President Trump defended the firings, describing them as “standard” and “very common” during remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday.
However, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s inspector general, Hannibal “Mike” Ware, called the actions legally questionable, stating that the firings would be contested.
Ware, among those dismissed, sent a letter to a White House personnel official expressing his belief that the firings lacked legal grounds. The letter revealed that he and others were notified by email from presidential personnel director Sergio Gor, who stated their positions were terminated “due to changing priorities.” Ware suggested Gor consult with White House legal counsel, arguing that the removals did not meet the legal standards required for firing Senate-confirmed, Presidentially appointed inspectors general.
Federal law mandates that the White House provide Congress with a 30-day notice, along with case-specific reasons, before removing an inspector general. Ware, also chair of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, emphasized that while inspectors general can be removed, unjustified removals undermine their independence, which is critical for their oversight role.
Among those fired was Christi Grimm, the inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services. Inspectors general are responsible for investigating waste, fraud, and misconduct in federal agencies, including those involving presidential appointees.
Mark Greenblatt, fired from his position as inspector general of the Department of the Interior, expressed surprise at the action, suggesting that Trump either doesn’t value the independence of inspectors general or seeks more compliant officials. He added that there seemed to be no clear reason behind the specific group of 17 inspectors general dismissed.
Democratic Rep. Gerald Connolly criticized the firings as an attack on transparency and accountability, warning that replacing independent inspectors with political appointees would harm Americans relying on federal services. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley called for an explanation from Trump, noting that the legal notice required by law had not been given to Congress.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decried the firings as part of a “chilling purge,” accusing Trump of trying to avoid accountability and transparency. He emphasized the vital role inspectors general play in ensuring government integrity.
