1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The decision to fire 18 inspectors general across federal agencies raises serious concerns about maintaining proper oversight and accountability within the government. Inspectors general serve a vital role as independent watchdogs, auditing and investigating allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse. Removing these officials undermines the system of checks and balances and opens the door for potential misconduct to go unchecked. This mass termination appears to violate the federal Inspector General Act, which requires the President to provide Congress with a 30-day notice and substantive reasoning before dismissing an inspector general. Circumventing this legal requirement is a concerning overreach of executive power. Proper oversight is essential for ensuring the responsible and ethical operation of government agencies. Without independent inspectors general in place, there is an increased risk of mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of transparency. The American people deserve a government that operates with integrity and accountability. To uphold the principles of good governance and the rule of law, it is imperative that inspectors general be reinstated or replaced through the proper legal process. Their role in providing oversight and identifying areas for improvement should be respected and supported, not undermined. Maintaining robust systems of checks and balances is crucial for preserving public trust in our democratic institutions.