On Friday, the Trump administration abruptly dismissed independent inspectors general from at least 12 major federal agencies, according to The Washington Post.

These inspectors general, tasked with identifying and addressing fraud, waste, and abuse within government operations, are considered essential safeguards for transparency and accountability.

The move appears to violate a federal law requiring 30 days’ notice to Congress before removing an inspector general.

The law, passed in 2022, also mandates that the administration provide a “substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for any removal.

President Trump, who was sworn in for his second term earlier this week, has reportedly provided no such explanation.

“This is a chilling purge,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a Senate floor speech on Saturday.

“This is Donald Trump’s way of telling us he’s terrified of accountability.”

The offices of inspectors general were created during the post-Watergate reforms to ensure government agencies operate with integrity.

By providing independent audits, investigations, and inspections, they serve as an essential check on executive power. Their removal en masse has raised alarms among lawmakers across the political spectrum.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a longtime advocate for inspectors general, called for an explanation from the administration.

“There may be good reason the IGs were fired,” Grassley told reporters on Saturday.

“We need to know that if so. I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30-day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress.”

Grassley has a history of supporting oversight measures and previously placed holds on two Trump nominees requiring Senate confirmation after the president fired inspectors general in June 2020.

His concerns highlight bipartisan unease over the dismissals.

Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, issued a sharper condemnation of the firings.

“Trump’s Friday night coup to overthrow legally protected independent inspectors general is an attack on transparency and accountability, essential ingredients in our democratic form of government,” Connolly said in a statement Saturday.

“Replacing independent inspectors general with political hacks will harm every American who relies on social security, veterans benefits, and a fair hearing at IRS on refunds and audits.”

The dismissals have sparked widespread criticism, with many lawmakers viewing the action as an effort to undermine the independence of agencies tasked with holding the government accountable.

The lack of required notification to Congress has added to concerns about the legality of the move.

Congressional leaders are expected to demand answers from the Trump administration in the coming days.

As the situation develops, the role of inspectors general and the potential impact of these firings on government transparency and accountability remain in the spotlight.