1A 'If You Can Keep It': Trump's Early Moves And The Constitution
Jan 27, 2025
Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and Martha Jones, a history professor at Johns Hopkins, delve into the tumultuous start of Trump's second term. They discuss the controversial removal of federal inspectors general, highlighting the importance of accountability. The conversation shifts to the legal challenges against Trump's birthright citizenship executive order and its implications on the 14th Amendment, emphasizing the historical context of citizenship and its vital role in democracy.
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Inspector General Purge
- President Trump fired approximately 17 Inspectors General (IGs).
- This action, despite Trump's claim of normalcy, disregards the legal requirement of a 30-day notice to Congress.
Role of Inspectors General
- Inspectors General conduct investigations into waste, fraud, and abuse within government departments.
- Their reports and investigations lead to disciplinary actions and substantial cost savings for the government.
Trump's Motivation
- Trump's firing of IGs is likely motivated by their critical reports of his administration.
- He seeks loyalists who won't expose wrongdoing, undermining government accountability.