Trump Fires Independent Inspectors General in Late-Night Purge

Among those fired were figures such as Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community inspector general, who had handled the whistleblower complaint central to Trump’s first impeachment trial. Atkinson's removal was widely criticized as retaliation. Trump defended his decision, stating he had lost confidence in their ability to perform effectively, though critics claimed it was part of a broader effort to consolidate power and silence dissent.

The purge alarmed lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with some Republicans expressing unease about the dismissals. Democrats, however, voiced stronger objections, accusing Trump of undermining the checks and balances essential to democracy.