Wyden Blasts Trump’s Midnight Massacre of Independent Government Watchdogs

Washington, D.C. – Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., co-chair of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, blasted Donald Trump’s firing of 17 federal inspectors general last night. IGs are independent watchdogs that investigate waste and fraud within government agencies, and have been a nonpartisan check on abuse of federal taxpayer resources.

“Donald Trump is systematically dismantling the protections against abuse, corruption and fraud within the federal government,” Wyden said. “Courts should immediately strike down this blatantly illegal action. Firing IGs without notifying Congress 30 days in advance is clearly illegal. The only reason for Trump to carry out the midnight massacre of more than a dozen inspectors general without notice is to make it easier for him to break the law and help him and his wealthy cronies profit from the government without anyone looking over his shoulder.”

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