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Featured Stories January 26,2025 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

Trump Dismisses Inspectors General As He Presses Forward With Deep State Overhaul

President Donald Trump has fired 17 inspectors general from various federal agencies in what many see as a bold move to reshape the government and remove opposition to his agenda. The dismissals were carried out Friday evening via email notification from the White House Presidential Personnel Office.

Among those removed were officials from key agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of State and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The inspectors general, who serve as independent watchdogs to investigate government misconduct and inefficiencies, were reportedly given no prior notice of their termination.

 

The firings have drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) noted that federal law requires the president to notify Congress at least 30 days before removing an inspector general, a step the White House allegedly did not take. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called the move an attempt to weaken government accountability.

 

Trump’s actions align with his broader efforts to dismantle what he calls the Deep State. Throughout his campaign, he pledged to remove entrenched bureaucrats and replace them with individuals who would support his policies without obstruction. The removal of inspectors general is seen as a significant step in that direction.

 

Some within the administration argue the firings are necessary to clear out officials who resist the president’s directives. Others worry that removing these watchdogs could open the door to unchecked government actions.

 

Notably, Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, who led an investigation into the FBI’s handling of the Russia probe, was not included in the terminations. His work in exposing flaws in the FBI’s FISA application process may have contributed to his retention.

 

The administration has not yet provided a full list of replacements or details on the next steps following these firings.

 

 

 

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