Wyden calls Trump's firing of government watchdogs a 'midnight massacre'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, who serves as the co-chair of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, said that President Donald Trump broke the law on the night of Jan. 24, when he fired 17 inspectors general without warning.

The inspectors general serve as independent watchdogs who investigate waste and fraud within government agencies. Wyden called the mass firing a “midnight massacre,” and noted that the firings violated federal law, which requires a president to give Congress a 30-day notice for such actions.

“Donald Trump is systematically dismantling the protections against abuse, corruption and fraud within the federal government,” Wyden said. “Courts should immediately strike down this blatantly illegal action. Firing IGs without notifying Congress 30 days in advance is clearly illegal.”

Trump confirmed the firings in a conversation with reporters on Air Force One Saturday, calling the move “a very common thing to do.” Trump said he would replace the employees with “good people” who will be “very good.”

However, Wyden said that Trump fired the employees for his own benefit.

“The only reason for Trump to carry out the midnight massacre of more than a dozen inspectors general without notice is to make it easier for him to break the law and help him and his wealthy cronies profit from the government without anyone looking over his shoulder,” Wyden said.