Inspectors General
Interior watchdog clears official over agency work involving his former oil industry employer
The inspector general for the Interior Department has faced scrutiny due to the installation of a political appointee in the office, but the watchdog’s former leader said that the outcome of this ethics investigation “seems legitimate.”
Inspectors general are facing an identity crisis. Here’s how some former IGs would preserve the watchdogs’ independence
A panel of former leaders of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency made several recommendations for reforming the group, which has been targeted by the Trump administration.
Inspector general fired by Trump talks leadership, OIG independence and his new memoir
Former Labor watchdog Larry Turner writes about confronting racism, working under “toxic” bosses and what he misses most about being in government.
DHS watchdog says Noem-era policy hampered probe into FEMA employees skipping homes with Trump signs
Auditors found that the Federal Emergency Management Agency also did not provide consistent Hatch Act training to employees.
Postal inspectors aren’t being pulled away from mail crime investigations for immigration enforcement, IG reports
The watchdog found that postal white collar crime investigations were not affected by “resource shifts.”
Watchdog: NSA’s NDAs don’t comply with whistleblower law
As the Trump administration weighs instituting a standardized non-disclosure agreement for employees across government, one agency that already uses them routinely fails to educate workers about their whistleblower rights.
The watchdog gets watched: GAO’s hiring process length faces scrutiny
In a new report by the inspector general for the Government Accountability Office, investigators also found that in fiscal 2024 the agency excluded certain data from time-to-hire calculations and was inconsistent about when the hiring process started.
Project 2025 contributor nominated for government watchdog position
While the president recently nominated Dennis Kirk to serve as inspector general at the Interior Department, he’s reportedly already working in that office as a political appointee.
Key oversight and federal workforce nominees confirmed by Senate
Several of the individuals will lead agencies that have been downsized or otherwise weakened by the Trump administration.
Calls for IG probe of Reflecting Pool renovation come amid questions over watchdog's independence
The former inspector general at Interior and a senior House lawmaker criticized the apparent appointment of a Project 2025 co-author at the watchdog office.
Inspectors general are conducting fewer oversight reports after 18 months of upheaval
In a new report, the Partnership for Public Service noted that the average Cabinet inspector general office has shrunk by 19% since the end of 2024.
Despite firings, acting IG says it’s 'the best time to be in the inspector general community' due to focus on fraud
A panel of inspectors general at a government accounting conference also discussed challenges combating technologically advanced scams and performing more proactive oversight.
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Inspector general group would be axed under new House GOP bill
Supporters of the measure pointed to a recent Government Accountability Office report that found the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency frequently missed requirements when investigating misconduct allegations against IGs.
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Former civil servants and union request IG investigation into transfer of Education program to Labor
House Republicans recently introduced a package of bills that would codify the Trump administration’s interagency agreements that move Education offices to other agencies.
Duffy faces new ethics complaint over official social media post promoting wife’s book
The Transportation Department said that the post at issue was "inadvertently retweeted” by a staffer.
IRS missed hiring goals for 2026 tax season, which watchdog says impacted service performance
The tax agency temporarily reassigned hundreds of employees to cover the gaps in staffing.
Education Department layoffs hindered congressionally mandated activities, inspector general reports
The inspector general office at the Education Department has experienced several leadership shake-ups, including one acting leader who seems to have been replaced over the report.
Who watches the watchdogs? GAO finds flaws in inspector general oversight system
President Donald Trump has fired nearly 20 IGs, and his administration last year put a hold on funding for the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Inspector general group announces pick to lead oversight of Iran war following senator’s questioning
A provision in federal statute requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to designate an IG for any military “overseas contingency operation that exceeds 60 days.”
Federal oversight faces ‘structural conflict’ as political appointees enter IG offices
The 16 agencies that now have non-Senate-confirmed political staffers for the first time in 15 years include the IRS and Forest Service, according to a new report.
