Independent government oversight under scrutiny following Trump-instigated dismissals of inspectors general
In a move that has raised concerns about the independence and credibility of the inspectors general (IGs), President Donald Trump has dismissed multiple federal agency IGs late last week. The exact number of IGs removed is uncertain, but one of the ousted IGs from the Interior Department, Mark Greenblatt, believes it's 17 or 18.
The dismissals come after Trump's previous removal of five IGs over a span of six weeks in 2020, including the intelligence community's watchdog who handled the whistleblower complaint that led to his first impeachment.
Trump justified the removals during a press gaggle, stating that some of the IGs were not doing their job. He further added that the removals are a "standard thing to do." However, he did not provide a thorough explanation for the dismissals.
Andrew Bakaj, the chief legal counsel for Whistleblower Aid, was not surprised by the speed of the firings but was anticipating them. He predicted that the dismissals will cast doubt on future reports by IG offices on waste, fraud, and abuse in government. Bakaj also stated that the firings will create an aura of doubt, which is unnecessary.
Glenn Fine, former Justice Department and Defense Department IG, shared similar concerns. He stated that the latest firings of federal agency inspectors general portend further politicization of the watchdogs. Fine also expressed concern that the IG community is being viewed as partisan and apolitical, rather than nonpartisan.
Faith Williams, director of the Effective and Accountable Government Program at the Project On Government Oversight, echoed these concerns, expressing worries about the impact of the firings on the inspectors general.
A White House official, on the other hand, argued that the firings will make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.
The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a conservative policy playbook, recommended replacing the IGs. Trump has previously expressed support for the recommendations in this playbook.
However, the dismissals have sparked criticism and raised questions about the continued independence and credibility of the IGs. As of now, there are no publicly announced candidates for replacing the dismissed officials.
The official also stated that the "rogue, partisan bureaucrats" who have weaponized the justice system against their political enemies are no longer fit or deserve to serve in their appointed positions.
Political appointees are generally replaced during a presidential transition, but inspectors general typically stay on regardless of the administration. The future of the IGs and their role in ensuring accountability within the government remains uncertain following these dismissals.
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