Overview

• President Donald Trump dismissed 17 federal inspectors general, including USDA's Phyllis Fong, shortly after beginning his second term.
• Fong, a 22-year USDA veteran, resisted her termination, citing violations of federal law requiring 30 days' notice to Congress with detailed justification.
• Conflicting accounts emerged regarding Fong's removal, with some reports stating she was escorted out by security, while the USDA claimed she left voluntarily.
• The firings have drawn bipartisan criticism, with figures like Senator Chuck Grassley questioning their legality and compliance with federal statutes.
• Fong's office had been involved in high-profile investigations, including one into Elon Musk's Neuralink, raising concerns about the motivations behind her dismissal.