USDA Inspector General Escorted Out After Defying Trump Administration Firing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Security agents escorted Phyllis Fong, the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), out of her office on Monday after she refused to comply with her dismissal by the Trump administration, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Fong, a 22-year veteran of the USDA, had informed colleagues that she intended to remain in her position despite being terminated by the White House on Friday. She argued that the administration had not followed proper legal protocols, according to sources. In an email to colleagues on Saturday, reviewed by Reuters, Fong cited the independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), which stated that the termination notices did not comply with legal requirements and were therefore ineffective.

The White House defended the firings, stating, “These rogue, partisan bureaucrats… have been relieved of their duties in order to make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.” The USDA inspector general’s office has a broad mandate, overseeing consumer food safety, audits, investigations of the Agriculture Department, and violations of animal welfare laws.

Fong’s dismissal came less than a week after President Donald Trump began his second term. Critics described the move as part of a “Friday-night purge.” Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump defended the action, saying, “It’s a very common thing to do.” He did not specify who would fill the vacant positions.

The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency stated in a letter to the White House that the dismissals appeared to violate federal law. Fong, who served as the first chairperson of CIGIE from 2008 through 2014, declined to comment on the situation.

Under Fong’s leadership, the USDA inspector general’s office had launched several high-profile investigations, including an ongoing probe into animal abuse at dog breeders for research labs and the listeria outbreak at Boar’s Head. The office has also been involved in addressing food safety concerns and outbreaks affecting cattle and poultry in Louisiana.

The removal of Fong and other inspectors general has raised concerns about the independence of oversight roles within federal agencies. Critics argue that such actions undermine accountability and transparency in government operations.