**Trump Fires Inspectors General in Latest Government Purge**
US President Donald Trump has fired 15 inspectors general, including those from the Defense and State departments. The move is seen as another attempt by the new administration to replace government officials with loyalists.
According to a report by the Washington Post, the mass firing targeted Cabinet-level US agencies, except for the Homeland Security and Justice departments. This violates a federal law passed in 2022 that requires Congress to be notified 30 days before such a move.
One of the fired inspectors general described the situation as “a widespread massacre” and said it undermines the entire system. Inspectors generals provide oversight of federal agencies, investigating cases of possible fraud, waste, and abuse of power.
**Impact on Ukraine**
The firing of inspectors general comes as President Trump has promised to negotiate a quick peace deal with Russia in Ukraine. The inspectors generals had been tracking US military aid to Ukraine throughout the conflict.
A delegation from the US Defense and State departments visited Kyiv last year to meet with Ukrainian officials, but found no evidence of military aid theft. However, certain defense equipment is subject to enhanced end-use monitoring, which tracks its use closely.
Ukrainian officials have claimed that a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, including support for Ukraine, does not apply to military aid. The future of US military support for Ukraine remains uncertain under President Trump’s leadership.
**Reaction from Ukrainian Officials**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced concerns about the impact of the firing on Ukraine and the West‘s efforts to provide military aid. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has significant export capacity, but Ukraine can provide the necessary infrastructure to transport it.
Ukrainian officials have also criticized the move, saying it will jeopardize Western military aid for Ukraine. Senior diplomats in the State Department are reportedly seeking an exemption for Ukraine-related programs.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com