DeKalb GA News

A group representing federal inspectors general has challenged President Trump's recent dismissal of over a dozen inspectors general, labeling the action as unlawful. The letter from the group, signed by Mike Ware, one of the dismissed IGs, urges the White House to seek legal counsel regarding the decision.

The controversy stems from a 2022 law passed by a Democrat-led Congress requiring that Congress be notified 30 days in advance before any inspector general can be removed. Inspectors general are appointed by presidents and confirmed by the Senate but serve as executive branch employees.

Politico reported that Cardell Richardson Sr., the State Department's inspector general who was among those fired, plans to report to work despite his dismissal. This move highlights ongoing disputes over the legality of these firings.

Hannibal Ware, another inspector general affected by this decision and leader of a council representing government inspectors general, stated that these removals might violate federal law due to the lack of required notice to Congress. In a letter obtained by Politico addressed to Sergio Gor, Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House, Ware wrote: “I recommend that you reach out to White House Counsel to discuss your intended course of action.”

In response to these dismissals, nearly two dozen House Democrats have sent a protest letter to President Trump. They argue that his actions undermine democracy and violate legal requirements for removing inspectors general. Representative Gerald Connolly issued a statement criticizing Trump's actions as an attack on transparency and accountability within government agencies.

The Inspector General Act of 1978, amended in 2022 with bipartisan support, mandates that Congress must receive notification and substantive rationale before an inspector general is removed. Critics claim that President Trump's recent actions fail to meet these legal standards.

Connolly's statement emphasized the importance of maintaining independent oversight within federal agencies and expressed commitment to supporting transparency and accountability through collaboration with relevant oversight bodies.