Judge Rules Trump Violated Law Firing Federal Watchdogs

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled on September 24, 2025, that President Donald Trump violated the Inspector General Act by firing eight federal watchdogs without providing the required 30-day notice and legal justification to Congress. The officials were part of a larger group of 17 inspectors general dismissed on January 24 via identical emails citing changing priorities. The removals affected various Cabinet agencies, including the Departments of Defense, State, and Veterans Affairs.

Despite finding the dismissals unlawful, Judge Reyes declined to reinstate the officials. She determined that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate the irreparable harm necessary to justify such an extraordinary remedy before the lawsuit is resolved. The judge noted that the president could simply remove the officials again after complying with the law's notification requirements. She further stated that reinstating the watchdogs would be an unconstitutional intrusion into executive removal powers.

The case is currently stayed pending a Supreme Court review regarding the removal of a Federal Trade Commission official. The eight suing officials are continuing to seek back pay and benefits. Government attorneys from the Department of Justice argued that the president possesses the authority to remove these officials at any time without preconditions.