Trump’s mass firing of government watchdogs weakens climate oversight
President Donald Trump abruptly dismissed 18 inspectors general, leaving key federal agencies without independent oversight at a time when his administration is reshaping climate and environmental policy.
Zoya Teirstein reports for Grist.
In short:
- The firings affected watchdogs at agencies like the EPA and Department of the Interior, which oversee climate and environmental policies.
- Experts fear Trump will replace them with loyalists who may ignore corruption, endangering public health and environmental protections.
- The dismissals violate federal law, which requires advance notice to Congress, raising legal challenges.
Key quote:
“All of the checks and balances have been stripped.”
— Kyla Bennett, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility
Why this matters:
Inspectors general play a crucial role in preventing fraud and ensuring environmental regulations are followed. Without independent oversight, federal agencies may prioritize political agendas over science and public health. This erosion of independent oversight has long-term consequences. Environmental policies require consistency and enforcement to be effective, but if watchdogs are undermined, regulations may be ignored or manipulated to serve short-term political interests. The absence of accountability can lead to lax enforcement of pollution controls, weaker climate action and diminished trust in government institutions responsible for safeguarding public health and natural resources.
Related: Trump’s USDA pick raises questions about handling climate crisis on farms
