White House press secretary defends Trump’s purge of government watchdogs

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended President Donald Trump’s recent firing of at least 17 inspectors general, asserting that the administration is confident in the legality of the decision. In her first briefing from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, Leavitt addressed the abrupt terminations, which affected nearly every major federal agency.

Leavitt reiterated Trump’s argument that as the executive of the executive branch, the president has the authority to dismiss individuals within that branch, regardless of their Senate-confirmed status. She pointed to a 2020 Supreme Court ruling in Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which affirmed the president’s power to make such decisions.

The firings of the inspectors general included those from agencies such as the Departments of Defense, State, Transportation, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, and the EPA. Despite concerns raised by lawmakers about the lack of notification to Congress and the potential implications for government oversight, Leavitt expressed confidence that the administration’s actions would withstand any legal challenges.

The terminations have drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, who emphasized the importance of the watchdogs in identifying government waste, fraud, and misconduct. Lawmakers highlighted the ethical and procedural concerns surrounding the dismissals, particularly the failure to adhere to the 30-day advance notification requirement for Senate-confirmed roles.

Leavitt’s briefing marked her debut as White House press secretary, making her the youngest person to hold the position in White House history at just 27 years old. The frequency of her future briefings remains uncertain, but her appointment was praised by Trump for her communication skills and effectiveness in delivering the administration’s message.

The Trump administration’s decision to fire the inspectors general without due cause has reignited debates about government transparency and accountability. As the legal and ethical implications of the terminations continue to be debated, Leavitt and the White House remain steadfast in their defense of the president’s actions.