USDA Inspector General says Trump can’t legally fire her
Jan. 29, 2025 6:40 p.m.
USDA Inspector General says Trump can’t legally fire her
Phyllis Fong, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has held her position with the USDA since 2002, and was appointed by former President George W. Bush, according to the UDSA website. However, that didn’t stop President Trump from deciding to fire her.
Fong doesn’t believe he can legally fire her, at least not in the way he has gone about carrying that out. She refused to leave her office until she was escorted out, according to a Reuters article picked up by Fox News.
There is no specific reason given at this time for why Fong was fired. Senator Chuck Grassley is siding with her, saying that Trump may not legally be allowed to fire her in the way that he did.
“There may be good reason the IGs were fired. We need to know that if so,” Grassley said in a statement. “I’d like further explanation from President Trump. Regardless, the 30 day detailed notice of removal that the law demands was not provided to Congress.”
USDA WATCHDOG BOOTED AFTER DEFYING TRUMP’S FIRING SPREE
Phyllis Fong, a USDA inspector general for 22 years, was literally escorted out of her office after refusing to accept her firing by the Trump administration.
She pushed back, claiming the move was illegal—but the… pic.twitter.com/Avst8piunG
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 29, 2025