Trump fires 17 inspectors general in late-night purge

Trump fired at least 17 inspectors general across federal cabinet departments via late-night email, bypassing the 1978 IG Act 30-day notice requirement and the 2022 amendment requiring case-specific reasons. Agencies affected included Defense, State, HUD, VA, Energy, and Transportation. Judge Ana C. Reyes ruled the firings unlawful in September 2025 but declined to reinstate the watchdogs.