A federal judge in Washington ruled that U.S. President Donald Trump unlawfully removed eight inspectors general by failing to notify Congress, but declined to reinstate them. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes concluded that Trump violated the Inspector General Act (IGA), a law passed after the Watergate scandal to protect independent government watchdogs. The law requires presidents to provide Congress with 30 days’ notice and justification before removing inspectors general.
Judge Reyes emphasized that the inspectors general presented “compelling arguments” for reinstatement and praised their decades of service across multiple administrations. These officials, who oversaw agencies such as the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services, were recognized for their role in safeguarding taxpayer dollars against waste, fraud, and abuse. “They deserved better from their government. They still do,” Reyes wrote in her 20-page opinion.
Despite acknowledging the unlawful dismissals, Reyes explained that the plaintiffs did not meet the legal threshold of “irreparable harm” required for reinstatement. She noted that even if the inspectors general were reinstated, Trump could immediately re-remove them by providing the required 30-day notice and rationale.
The case stems from Trump’s dismissal of at least 17 inspectors general during his second term. Eight of them filed suit earlier this year, claiming their removals were illegal and seeking reinstatement along with back pay.
In her ruling, Reyes linked the controversy to the historical backdrop of the 1972 Watergate burglary, which spurred Congress to pass the IGA in 1978. The law aimed to ensure government accountability through independent oversight.
The case has been paused while the Supreme Court reviews a related matter concerning Trump’s removal of a Federal Trade Commission official, which could influence the inspectors general’s claims.
At its core, the ruling underscores ongoing tensions between presidential authority and the independence of federal watchdogs. While the court affirmed the unlawful nature of Trump’s actions, the inspectors general’s fight for reinstatement remains unresolved.