The Trump administration dismissed the inspector general of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday, a day after he released a report criticizing the freeze on foreign aid.
Paul Martin’s firing adds to the growing list of over 20 inspectors general dismissed by President Donald Trump, despite concerns from lawmakers and watchdogs that these removals violate legal statutes.
In a late Tuesday email, a White House official informed Martin that his termination was effective immediately.
Martin’s firing followed the release of a report on Monday, which raised concerns that the administration’s freeze on foreign aid and efforts to cut USAID staffing were hindering oversight of U.S. funding.
The dismissal was confirmed by a USAID official and a former State Department official, who requested anonymity. Spokespersons from the State Department, USAID, and the National Security Council have yet to comment. Inspectors general are responsible for overseeing government activities and spending, helping to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
