The Daily Trump’s Purge of the Watchdogs
May 19, 2020
Maggie Haberman, a seasoned White House correspondent for The New York Times, dives into President Trump's controversial pattern of firing inspectors general. She reveals how these dismissals pose a threat to government accountability and oversight, particularly during a pandemic. The conversation highlights the political motivations behind these actions and questions the integrity of federal watchdogs. Haberman also touches on the fallout from these firings, emphasizing their implications for democracy and public trust.
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Origin of Inspectors General
- Inspectors general, public watchdogs, arose from the Watergate era to combat government corruption.
- They investigate waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies, reporting to Congress.
Past IG Investigations
- Past investigations by inspectors general have covered various issues, including misuse of funds and improper citizenship grants.
- Presidents generally avoid conflict with them, but there are exceptions like Reagan and Bush.
Obama's IG Firing
- President Obama fired Inspector General Gerald Walpin, who was investigating an Obama supporter.
- This drew criticism, even from Obama's own party, and Obama didn't fire another IG.