The Trump administration has reportedly dismissed over a dozen federal inspector generals in an overnight move that has raised eyebrows and may result in legal battles, according to information shared with CBS News. The decision is unparalleled and is expected to face legal scrutiny.
In a letter addressed to a White House personnel official, the inspector general of the U.S. Small Business Administration raised concerns regarding the legality of the firings. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, who also received a termination notice, contested the validity of the action.
The director of presidential personnel, Sergio Gor, informed Ware and several other inspector generals via email that their positions were being terminated with immediate effect due to a shift in priorities. Ware urged Gor in his letter to consult with White House legal counsel about the proposed action, as he believed the decision to dismiss Presidential Appointed, Senate Confirmed Inspector Generals was not legally sound.
Under federal law, the White House is obligated to provide Congress with a detailed warning and specific reasons for the dismissal of a federal inspector general, a month in advance. Many of the dismissed inspector generals were reportedly appointed during Trump’s first administration, a source informed CBS News.
Ware, who also chairs the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, asserted that while inspector generals are not immune from removal, unjustified dismissals pose a significant risk to their roles. He further stressed that the independence of inspector generals is paramount to maintaining the checks and balances of the government.
Congress, Ware noted, recently amended the Inspector General Act to mandate a 30-day advance notice requirement to Congress prior to an inspector general’s removal. This notice should also include detailed and case-specific reasons.
The White House has yet to comment on the dismissals. Among those reportedly fired is Christi Grimm, the inspector general for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Inspector generals are charged with identifying waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct within federal agencies. They would also be responsible for overseeing President Trump’s agencies and appointees.
The dismissals have been criticized as an attack on transparency and accountability by Democratic Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia. He warned that replacing independent inspectors general with political appointees could negatively affect those who rely on social security and veteran benefits.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, stated that while there might be plausible reasons for the dismissals, he would like further clarification from President Trump. He also pointed out that the law requires a 30-day detailed notice of removal to be furnished to Congress, which was not done in this case.
The firings have been described as a “chilling purge” by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). He criticized the Trump administration’s action as a demonstration of President Trump’s aversion to accountability and transparency. Schumer emphasized the crucial role of inspector generals in maintaining government integrity.