Trump Faces Backlash Over Late-Night Firing of Inspectors General, Sparking Legal and Bipartisan Concerns
Left: U.S. President Donald Trump pauses as he talks to journalists who are members of the White house travel pool on board Air Force One during his flight to Palm Beach, Florida while over South Carolina, U.S., February 3, 2017. Photo by Carlos Barria/Reuters
Donald Trump came under fire Sunday after being accused of violating federal law by ousting at least 15 independent inspectors general in what critics are calling a “late-night purge.” Over the weekend, Trump defended his actions, dismissing concerns raised by lawmakers and watchdog groups. However, the firings quickly drew backlash, including from members of his own party.
On CNN, a Sunday segment highlighted the growing criticism. “Senators on both sides of the aisle” are expressing concern about the dismissals, the host reported, citing prominent Republican figures Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Chuck Grassley.
The controversy centers on a law implemented after Trump’s first term, which was designed to protect the independence of inspectors general. The law requires detailed explanations for their removal and mandates a time delay before such actions take effect, offering a layer of oversight and transparency.
The CNN host delved deeper into the issue by interviewing Lucy Lang, New York State’s 11th Inspector General. Lang minced no words in her assessment of Trump’s actions. “This move not only violates the law but flouts Democratic norms,” she said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining independent oversight within the government.
Lang further explained that the role of inspectors general is to act as nonpartisan watchdogs, ensuring accountability and ethical governance. Removing them without proper justification, she argued, undermines the integrity of democratic institutions.
Critics from across the political spectrum have raised alarms over what they see as an erosion of institutional checks and balances. Some have also questioned whether the firings were strategically timed to avoid immediate scrutiny, as they occurred during late hours over the weekend.
Democrats have called for a thorough investigation into the legality of Trump’s actions. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers like Grassley and Collins, often seen as moderates, have expressed unease, signaling that the issue could spark a rare bipartisan challenge to Trump.
Legal analysts have noted that Trump’s dismissal of the inspector general could lead to legal consequences if it is found to be in violation of federal statutes. The law in question was specifically designed to curb the executive branch’s power to remove oversight officials arbitrarily, a safeguard enacted after concerns over Trump’s conduct during his first term.
As the fallout continues, watchdog groups and political commentators are warning that such actions, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. For now, the spotlight remains on Congress, where bipartisan voices are increasingly calling for accountability.
