House Democrats condemn Trump's inspectors general firings in letter

A coalition of Democratic lawmakers expressed their concerns with President Trump’s Friday decision to fire independent inspectors general.

“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,” Democrats wrote in a Saturday letter to the president.

“Your actions violate the law, attack our democracy, and undermine the safety of the American people,” they added, likely referencing federal law that requires the president give Congress a 30-day notice of his intent to fire inspectors.

Those who signed on to the letter include Reps. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) among others after multiple watchdogs at various agencies within the Pentagon, State Department and Transportation Department said they were notified of the termination over email Friday night.

Congress members said Trump’s decision was “unethical” and of detriment to 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,” Democrats wrote.

“We urge you to withdraw your unlawful action and comply with your obligations to the American people.”

They copied applicable committee chairs including Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, on the communication in hopes of raising bi-partisan concern for the issue.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) spoke out on the decision, questioning Trump’s motives for the move.

“I don’t understand why one would fire individuals whose mission it is to root out waste, fraud and abuse. This leaves a gap in what I know is a priority for President Trump. So I don’t understand it,” Collins said while arriving at the Capitol for a Saturday morning vote.

Former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also raised issues with the dismissal of inspectors general.

“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,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Saturday.

“These dismissals are possibly in violation of federal law, which requires Congress to have a 30-day notice of any intent to fire inspectors general,” he added.

The White House did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment.

Updated on Jan. 26 at 8:04 a.m. EST

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