Trump Fires 17 Inspectors General in Late-Night Friday Purge — Removes Independent Oversight Watchdogs

President Trump fires at least 17 inspectors general from multiple federal agencies in a late-night Friday purge, removing independent watchdogs responsible for auditing and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse. Notable victims include Department of Defense IG Robert Storch, State Department IG Cardell Richardson Sr., HHS IG Christi Grimm, and VA IG Michael J. Missal. The firings are carried out via email, citing 'changing priorities.' Trump fails to provide Congress with the statutorily required 30-day notice and substantive rationale under the Inspector General Act and the 2022 Securing Inspectors General Act. Senator Chuck Grassley calls the move a 'message to all these presidents' that they must follow the law. Eight fired IGs sue the administration on February 12. On September 24, federal Judge Ana C. Reyes rules the firings unlawful but refuses to reinstate the IGs, noting Trump could simply re-fire them legally after providing 30 days' notice. USAID IG Paul K. Martin is separately fired on February 11 after issuing a critical report.