Trump fires inspectors-general in late-night move before Las Vegas rally

The Trump administration fired approximately 17 independent inspectors general from government agencies in a move aimed at eliminating oversight of his new administration. Some members of Congress believe this action violates federal law. According to sources familiar with the matter, the firings began on Friday evening and were effective immediately.

While the exact number of firings has not been confirmed, one of the dismissed inspectors general stated in an email that approximately 17 inspectors general were terminated. Congress did not receive the 30-day notice regarding the firings, and even a senior Republican has condemned the move. As his team promised, Trump began his presidency with "shock and awe," but upon closer inspection, a familiar gap between his rhetoric and reality has been revealed.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley stated in a statement, "There may be legitimate reasons for the firing of inspectors general. If that's the case, we need to know. I hope President Trump will offer further explanation. Regardless, the legally required 30-day detailed notice of dismissal was not sent to Congress." The role of modern inspectors general dates back to Washington after "Watergate," when Congress established offices within agencies as an independent check on mismanagement and abuse of power.

Although inspectors general are appointed by the president, some serve under presidents from both parties. All are supposed to remain non-partisan. Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged the firings violated regulations but brushed it off, saying, "Next time, just tell them you need to follow the law." However, Democrats and oversight groups are using the firings to sound the alarm that Mr. Trump is making it easier for people to take advantage of the government.

Max Stier, president and CEO of the non-partisan Partnership for Public Service, said in a statement, "Inspectors general are the patrol cops that prevent bad things from happening. Their work saves taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars each year." Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer called the move a "chilling purge" and "potentially illegal under federal law." The White House did not comment on Saturday. But these actions are consistent with the first week of the president's return to the White House, which included a series of measures to reshape the federal government, including executive orders and a crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Mr. Trump has also actively challenged the authority of independent oversight groups in the past. In 2020, he replaced several key inspectors general, including those leading the Defense Department and intelligence agencies, as well as the inspector general appointed to chair the special oversight committee for the trillion-dollar pandemic relief package. Meanwhile, Donald Trump made a stop in Las Vegas on Saturday, detailing how he would begin excluding tips from federal taxation, a move he believes the city, built on gambling and hospitality, would be happy to take a larger share of.

Mr. Trump vowed to deliver on his campaign promises and was scheduled to speak at the Circa Resort & Casino. According to the Culinary Workers Union, which represents approximately 60,000 hospitality workers in Nevada, the union supports eliminating taxes on tips but said Trump's proposal does not go far enough. He personally surveyed storm damage on Friday and heard harrowing stories from survivors of last fall's Hurricane Helen. In Los Angeles, he surveyed wildfire damage, which may be one of the most costly natural disasters in U.S. history.

In contrast, in Nevada, Mr. Trump said he wanted to celebrate being the first Republican presidential candidate to win the state's support since George W. Bush: "I’m going to Nevada to thank them." It's a familiar backdrop for a discussion of tips and taxes. As a candidate, Mr. Trump first floated the idea at a rally in Las Vegas last June, and it was later adopted by his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Saturday that the event "will be economy-focused, and President Trump will talk about the promises he made to the American people during the campaign that he intends to keep." The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are 2.24 million restaurant servers nationwide, and tips make up a significant portion of their income. In Las Vegas, the 24-hour economy is fueled by everyone who receives tips, from servers and valets to hotel maids and casino dealers.

However, implementing no federal tax on tips may be difficult in the short term and would require congressional action.