WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S Senator Jack Reed, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s firing of nearly every Cabinet-level agency Inspector General, including the U.S. Department of Defense:

“Why would someone round up all the non-partisan watchdogs and terminate them at midnight unless they were trying to prevent them from sounding the alarm?  These mass-firings appear politically motivated to undermine accountability and transparency.  Every member of Congress, regardless of party, should be concerned.  Administrations change and if this becomes the new norm it’ll be detrimental to taxpayers.

“Clearly, the Trump Administration is willing to flout the law, ignore legal requirements, and systematically circumvent checks and balances.  Instead of going after waste, fraud, corruption, and abuse, Trump is laying the groundwork to shield his administration from independent oversight. 

“Trump already appears to have violated the law that requires him to provide 30-days notice and an explanation before removing any inspector general.

“Congress must fulfill its role as a check against the excesses of the presidency. 

“Trump’s opening directives make it clear he is not focused on strengthening the economy or addressing people’s basic needs.  Instead, he’s firing independent watchdogs and undermining the checks and balances built into the Constitution.”

Under federal law, a president is supposed to give Congress a 30-day notice before firing inspector generals, who function as independent watchdogs charged with investigating waste and abuse in their departments.

In fiscal 2023, inspectors general identified approximately $93.1 billion in potential governmental savings for U.S. taxpayers through audits, investigations, and recoveries.