WASHINGTON – On Friday night, President Donald Trump dismissed more than a dozen inspectors general from various federal agencies, a decision confirmed by an official to YSL News.

As many as 17 inspectors general were removed without prior notice via email, even though federal regulations typically require a 30-day notice to Congress before such firings. Inspectors general serve as independent overseers within agencies, tasked with investigating and highlighting issues of waste, fraud, and abuse.

Among those let go were inspectors from the Pentagon and the departments of State, Veterans Affairs, and Interior, which manages marine oil and gas leases as well as Indian Affairs. The official, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the circumstances, mentioned that this move, while anticipated, was still surprising.

Inspectors from the departments of Homeland Security and Justice were not affected by this round of dismissals. The Washington Post, the first to report the firings, noted that most of those affected were appointed during Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021.

Agencies are moving forward with Trump’s directives to reshape the federal structure, which include eliminating diversity programs, reversing certain job offers, and sidelining over 150 officials in national security and foreign policy roles since his return to the presidency on Monday.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, stated in a release that “there may be valid reasons for the IGs’ dismissal,” but emphasized the need for “more clarification from President Trump.”

He pointed out that Congress was not given the required 30-day notice of removal as mandated by law.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, described Trump’s actions as a “midnight purge of independent watchdogs,” posting on X: “President Trump is eliminating checks on his power and setting the stage for significant corruption.”

Sidney Powell, a former lawyer for Trump and supporter of the president, defended the firings on X, asserting that “current IGs are nearly ineffective.”

“They might uncover a few minor issues, but ultimately do very little,” she wrote. “The entire system needs an overhaul! They’re powerless and prioritize protecting the institution over the citizens.”

While politically appointed leaders within agencies often change with each administration, inspectors general can serve across multiple presidencies.

During his first term, Trump dismissed five inspectors general within just two months in 2020, including the one from the State Department, who was involved in the impeachment inquiry against the president.

Last year, Trump’s successor, Joe Biden, removed the inspector general of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board following an investigation that found the official had fostered a hostile work atmosphere.

Reuters contributed.