Partnership for Public Service statement on one-year anniversary of mass firings of inspectors general

January 23, 2026

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier ahead of the one-year anniversary of President Donald Trump’s firing of 16 inspectors general from their roles at federal agencies: 

“President Trump’s unprecedented subversion of inspectors general over the past year has been damaging, reckless and wasteful. 

“President Trump has stated that he wants to make our government more efficient and accountable, and inspectors general work to do just that. These nonpartisan, independent watchdogs identify and stop waste, fraud and abuse across agencies, saving tens of billions of taxpayer dollars per year. Since taking office, Trump has sidestepped Congress to arbitrarily remove 22 inspectors general, leaving more than half of these roles currently vacant. By doing so, Trump has not only undermined his own stated goals for government reform but also hampered our government’s ability to act in the public’s best interest.  

“The American people deserve to know their tax dollars are not wasted and are used in service of the public good. It’s long past time for Congress to stop neglecting its oversight role and intervene to protect inspectors general, as they have done with past presidents.” 

Check out the Partnership’s new report to learn more about how the Trump administration’s decisions during the past year have impacted the effectiveness and efficiency of the federal government. 

During the past 24 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees.   

Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more.       

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