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Schumer Criticizes Trump’s Dismissal of Federal Watchdogs

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has voiced strong opposition to President Trump’s recent decision to terminate over a dozen inspectors general across various federal agencies, labeling it a “chilling purge.” This action raised significant concerns about accountability and adherence to legal protocols within the government.

On the Senate floor, Schumer articulated his apprehensions, stating, “This is a chilling purge, and it’s a preview of the lawless approach Donald Trump and his administration is taking far too often as he is becoming President.” He subsequently pointed out that the dismissals may contravene federal laws mandating that Congress must receive a 30-day notice prior to the firing of inspectors general.

Reports indicate that approximately 17 inspectors general were let go from agencies under the Department of State, Defense, Transportation, and Energy, among others, late Friday night. The Washington Post first reported on these dismissals. These inspectors general serve critical oversight roles, tasked with investigating allegations of misuse of power, fraud, and inefficiencies within the government.

Schumer further emphasized the implications of these actions, asserting, “These firings are Donald Trump’s way of telling us he is terrified of accountability and is hostile to facts and to transparency.” This sentiment resonated among Democratic lawmakers, with Representatives Angie Craig (Minn.) and Gerry Connolly (Va.) also criticizing the president’s actions.

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) shared her own perplexity regarding Trump’s decision, questioning the rationale behind firing individuals whose primary role is to address corruption and inefficiency. “I don’t understand why one would fire individuals whose mission it is to root out waste, fraud and abuse,” Collins remarked as she arrived at the Capitol for a vote. “This leaves a gap in what I know is a priority for President Trump.”

Angie Craig described the terminations as “alarming and unprecedented,” particularly noting the late-night firings at the USDA. “While the president has the right to replace inspector generals, the late-night firing of these independent watchdogs not only violates the law but also hampers our ability to combat waste, fraud, and abuse and ensure programs are run as Congress intended,” she stated.

Schumer reiterated his concerns about the legality of Trump’s actions during his remarks. “We’re a fact-based society. We lose that, we lose the core of America,” he concluded. “Donald Trump’s decision to fire 12 of the federal government’s independent watchdogs is a glaring sign that it’s a Golden Age for abuse in government and even corruption.”

Source
thehill.com