Trump uses mass firing to remove independent inspectors general at a series of agencies

In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, photo, Republican then-presidential candidate Donald Trump listens during a news conference after speaking at the TD Convention Center, in Greenville, S.C. (Richard Shiro/AP)

Kevin Lamarque / Kevin Lamarque

The Trump administration has fired about 17 independent inspectors general at government agencies, a sweeping action to remove oversight of his new administration that some members of Congress are suggesting violated federal oversight laws.

The dismissals began Friday night and were effective immediately, according to two people familiar with the actions. They spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details that have not been made public. Neither confirmed the exact number of firings, but an email sent by one of the fired inspectors general said “roughly 17” inspectors general had been removed.

Congress was not given 30-day notices about the removals –- something that even a top Republican is decrying.