Staff Reports
In a delightful twist of fate, President Trump sent shockwaves through Washington last week when he decided to let go of 17 inspectors general via email. Among the relieved hires was Mark Greenblatt, a recent casualty from the Department of the Interior, who apparently learned the hard way that in government, email notifications aren’t just for weekend jokes but can be a swift exit from one’s job. Greenblatt found himself disconnected from his email and, presumably, his sense of belonging, since he had spent five-and-a-half years at the department. Now, he’s left wondering what’s next—maybe a career as a consultant for “How Not to Get Fired.”
Former inspector general Mark Greenblatt cut off from email, desk after firing: “I was there for five-and-a-half years and so we’ll see.”https://t.co/MFRYZcUFsh pic.twitter.com/txcXadOuz1
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 28, 2025
Greenblatt, showcasing an uncanny knack for dramatic flair, compared the late-night firings to a historical massacre. One can only imagine what kind of fever dreams stir in the minds of those who think a late Friday evening email is a sign of impending doom. Supported by a mysterious notification that simply cited “changing priorities,” one could almost envision the email rolling its eyes before delivering the news. With the rapidity of a reality show elimination, it seems that purging left, right, and center is the latest trend in the swamp.
Skeptical minds might question how such an abrupt move could possibly be legal, as pointed out by Mike Ware, former inspector general of the Small Business Administration. Ware took to MSNBC to voice his shock and concerns, implying that this cavalier approach to firing inspectors general raises alarms like a fire drill in a kindergarten class. After all, these individuals are supposed to be independent watchdogs, not political pawns in a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek.
According to Ware, the grounds for firing inspectors general due to “changing priorities” is, in the simplest of terms, a rather alarming precedent. This sounds suspiciously like an excuse every parent has used to get out of attending a child’s soccer game. The Inspector General Act of 2022 explicitly requires a 30-day notification period and a valid reason to dismiss these officials. Maybe this is simply another chapter in the saga of bureaucratic mischief—certainly not groundbreaking news since, apparently, rules are made to be bent.
Despite the legality of the firings possibly being in murky waters, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has weighed in, suggesting that while there may very well be justifiable reasons behind these dismissals, the lack of a formal 30-day notice raises eyebrows. It seems that even GOP stalwarts are raising questions here, further indicating that the talk about “draining the swamp” might sometimes lead to muddy waters.
As these events unfold, former inspectors general are left wandering into the unknown, and Democrats are rallying their pitchforks. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer calls this action a “chilling” decision echoing fears of accountability. This outcry is reminiscent of a group of actors engaging in an over-the-top dramatic play, constantly checking their cues and looking for a reason to yell “fire!” Next up on their to-do list: Make accountability a buzzword, even if that means drowning out the voices of the very politicians who paved the way for a lot of the waste and inefficiency seen in government today. In the meantime, one can only hope Greenblatt brought some good snacks for the long haul of uncertainty ahead.
