Inspectors General
Trump watchdog nominees draw congressional scrutiny for political histories
Labor inspector general nominee and former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., praised President Donald Trump during his confirmation hearing, while Veterans Affairs IG nominee Cheryl Mason, who was a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, said she wasn’t involved in any decisions at the department.
Watchdog says VA isn’t keeping close enough tabs on retention bonuses
While department officials blamed an overhaul to human resources processes for the errors, the inspector general noted that auditors have previously warned about similar issues.
Education Department is stonewalling inspector general investigation into staff cuts, Democrats allege
The department’s inspector general informed congressional leaders that officials weren’t turning over requested information and are putting conditions on interviews with staff.
Potential shortcomings in USAID–State Department merger plan raise concerns
The inspector general found that the new hiring numbers aren’t based on any workforce strategy, the realignment implementation plan isn’t finished and the agency team overseeing the transfer is set to disband.
Trump’s picks for oversight roles will jeopardize independent scrutiny of government operations, watchdog groups say
The president recently nominated individuals to serve as special counsel and agency inspectors general, both of which receive and investigate complaints of waste, fraud and abuse.
Senator says VA is slow-footing benefits law, congresswoman wants a watchdog for Thrift Investment Board
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., has brought back legislation that would create an inspector general for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, while the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s ranking member argues the department is too slow in implementing legislation.
Government oversight employees detail fears of retaliation under Trump administration in new Senate report
President Donald Trump has, so far, fired 19 inspectors general, who are independent watchdogs that investigate waste, fraud and abuse in federal agencies.
Pandemic IG spent end of tenure simultaneously in leadership at a different agency
A good government group argued the “double hatting” undermines public trust in the independent watchdogs, while the Housing and Urban Development Department said there was no overlap between Brian Miller’s work as an inspector general and general counsel.
End of pandemic inspector general's office could hurt ongoing efforts to enforce accountability
A former senior official for the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery said there were about 40 unfinished cases when the office’s authority lapsed, some of which were referred to other agencies and others closed.
Former GOP congressman nominated to independent watchdog role
Anthony D’Esposito, a retired NYPD detective, served on the House Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure and Administration committees and introduced several measures concerning law enforcement issues during his one term.
Congresswoman concerned acting leader of Commerce Department watchdog was previously removed from the position
Deputy Inspector General Roderick Anderson is again leading the Commerce Department’s OIG following the mass firing of oversight officials.
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Inspectors general file lawsuit to fight firings
The litigation comes as a Democratic member of the Merit Systems Protection Board who Trump removed is also asking the courts to stop her ousting.
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Congressional response to watchdog firings hindered by GOP control, Connolly says
A good government group fears that Trump will ignore rules about who can serve as an acting inspector general.
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Inspectors general’s role as independent government watchdogs in question after Trump firings
Many inspector general offices will be headed by acting leaders in the interim, which could weaken the effectiveness of their oversight.
Trump fires multiple agency inspectors general
Sen. Grassley and a top watchdog said Trump did not adhere to congressional notification requirements about such removals.
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Inspectors general have a new bipartisan caucus in the Senate
The president-elect has a record of removing inspectors general.
Energy Dept. watchdog reports that travel expense violations in secretary’s criticized EV road trip caused by lack of oversight and knowledge
House Republicans blasted the trip as “ripe with waste, fraud and abuse,” but the report found that some of the violations cost the federal government less than $100.
Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog
It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.
Intelligence IGs head for the exit before Trump’s return
Trump fired five inspectors general during his first administration.
Senator wants info on inspectors general office sexual harassment settlements
Grassley wrote that whistleblowers informed his office that the financial agreements required complainants to sign non-disclosure agreements.
FEMA chief calls passing over of Trump supporters isolated incident, requests wider probe
One FEMA supervisor has been fired for directing staff to skip Trump-supporting homes, but administrator says there is so far no evidence of a more widespread issue.
