DOL, DOT inspectors general among several IGs fired by Trump administration
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Washington — Department of Labor Inspector General Larry Turner and Department of Transportation Inspector General Eric Soskin are among more than a dozen IGs reportedly dismissed by President Donald Trump in recent days.
The legality of the firings, however, is in question because of a law requiring a 30-day notice.
“After a rewarding tenure in which I had the privilege to serve during three presidential administrations, my time as inspector general of the Department of Transportation is at its end,” Soskin wrote Jan. 25 on his LinkedIn account, before listing items “I remain appreciative for”:
- “The confidence shown in me by President Trump through my nomination.”
- “The hard work and consideration given by the United States Senate through my confirmation.”
- “The many excellent audits, investigations and behind-the-scenes activities carried out by the Office of Inspector General over the last four-plus years.”
He continued: “I look forward to what comes next for myself, the transportation sector and our great country in the years ahead.”
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One the same day, the president was asked why his administration chose to fire the IGs. He responded, “Because it’s a very common thing to do.”
Trump continued: “I don’t know them, but some people thought that some were unfair or some were not doing the job. And it’s a very standard thing to do, very much like the U.S. attorneys.”
The Inspector General Act of 1978, however, requires the president to “communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal or transfer to both houses of Congress, not later than 30 days before the removal or transfer.”
The Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2022 expanded the requirements to add the written communication must include “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons.”
More than 20 House Democrats, all ranking members of committees, wrote in a letter to Trump:
“We write to express our grave concern about your recent attempt to unlawfully and arbitrarily remove more than a dozen independent, nonpartisan inspectors general without notice to Congress or the public and in the dead of night. Your actions violate the law, attack our democracy and undermine the safety of the American people.
“Firing inspectors general without due cause is antithetical to good government, undermines the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and degrades the federal government’s ability to function effectively and efficiently. We urge you to withdraw your unlawful action and comply with your obligations to the American people.”
In a statement issued Jan. 25, Hannibal Ware, chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, said inspectors general ”ensure veterans receive the health care they deserve; servicemembers are safe in the field; disaster aid reaches those for whom it is intended; and farmers receive the assistance they require.” He added, “IGs are not immune from removal. However, the law must be followed to protect independent government oversight for America.”
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