Trump condemned over ‘blatantly illegal’ firings of watchdog chiefs

Inspectors general dismissed by president sound alarm and say moves pave way for appointment of political lackeys'

Independent watchdogs summarily dismissed by Donald Trump have denounced the move as illegal and a threat to democracy that paves the way for the appointment of political lackeys" and widespread institutional corruption.

The sacking of the 18 inspectors general from federal agencies last Friday, including the departments of defence, energy and state, has also been widely condemned as illegal, and as part of the Project 2025 plan for a rightwing authoritarian takeover of government.