Reveal Exclusive: Trump Fired This Top Watchdog. Now He’s Speaking Out.
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Mar 26, 2025 Larry Turner, the former Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor, shares his firsthand experience of being ousted under the Trump administration. He reveals how this unprecedented move jeopardizes government oversight and accountability. Turner challenges claims of rapid fraud detection in agencies, likening them to fantasies. He warns that undermining inspectors general poses a significant threat to democracy, highlighting the complexities and emotional toll of such leadership changes on maintaining integrity within federal agencies.
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Initial Concerns and Reassurance
- Larry Turner was initially worried about job security under Trump due to past attempts to fire IGs.
- However, he felt reassured by positive feedback from stakeholders, including a Republican Secretary of Labor.
Devastating Firings and Contradictory Reasoning
- Turner's termination, along with 19 others, was devastating for his staff.
- The stated reason, "changing priorities," contradicted Musk's subsequent focus on fraud, waste, and abuse.
Unprecedented Firings and Chilling Effect
- Trump's firing of numerous IGs, including those appointed by him, was unprecedented.
- This action creates a chilling effect, potentially compromising the independence of future IGs.