New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang Condemns Overnight Purge of Federal IGs as a Threat to Democracy

Following President Trump's overnight removal of at least 12 federal Inspectors General (IGs), New York State IG Lucy Lang is calling for renewed bipartisan efforts to safeguard the independence of these critical watchdogs, whose mission is to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity within government.

Lang, who by law cannot be fired by the Governor as a protection of her ability to investigate the state's Executive Branch, says, "The dismissal of at least 12 federal Inspectors General without notice to Congress undermines the independence of these essential watchdogs and threatens the very fabric of American democracy. Inspectors General are the taxpayers' guardians, ensuring oversight of agencies responsible for billions of dollars and countless programs affecting daily life. Without their independence, our government risks spiraling into unchecked power and corruption."

The firings - which reportedly include IGs from the Departments of State, Defense, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and others - come on the heels of an op-ed Inspector General Lang authored in City & State last week, warning of heightened risks to the independence of Inspectors General under the new administration. In her op-ed, Lang, citing their role as "fact-finders and truth-tellers," highlighted that federal IGs saved approximately $93.1 billion in 2023 alone - a $26 return on every dollar spent.

As discussions about the future of IGs continue, Lang calls on elected officials, public servants, and citizens to recognize and defend the indispensable role that these watchdogs play in preserving democracy.

"The history of bipartisan support for IG independence must prevail over the dangerous precedent of partisanship that undermines their work," said Lang. "Now more than ever, protecting the independence of inspectors general is a democratic imperative. We cannot allow political interference to undermine the transparency and accountability that the American people deserve."

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