bipartisan Group of Over 60 Lawmakers Demand answers on Trump-Era Personnel Removals
WASHINGTON D.C. – A bipartisan coalition of more than 60 members of Congress has launched a formal investigation into the widespread removal of career officials and experts during the Trump governance, raising concerns about potential political interference and the erosion of institutional knowledge within federal agencies. The lawmakers are demanding detailed data from current and former agency heads regarding the circumstances surrounding these departures, citing a pattern of dismissals, resignations, and reassignments that spanned multiple departments.
The investigation,spearheaded by Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and James Comer (R-KY),aims to determine the extent to which political motivations drove these personnel changes and whether they compromised the effectiveness and integrity of government operations. The effort comes amid renewed scrutiny of the previous administration’s actions and a growing debate over the importance of a non-partisan civil service. At stake is the public trust in government institutions and the ability of future administrations to rely on experienced professionals. The lawmakers intend to deliver findings to the public and potentially recommend legislative reforms to protect the civil service.
According to a letter sent to numerous federal agencies, the lawmakers are seeking documentation related to the removal, reassignment, or resignation of employees in career positions between January 20, 2017, and January 20, 2021. They are specifically requesting data on the reasons cited for these departures, the roles and responsibilities of the affected employees, and any internal reviews or investigations conducted in connection with the changes.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of a systematic effort to undermine the independence and expertise of the federal workforce during the previous administration,” saeid Representative Connolly in a statement. “These removals not only deprived agencies of valuable institutional knowledge but also created an environment of fear and uncertainty among career civil servants.”
Representative Comer echoed these concerns, stating, “It’s vital we understand the scope and impact of these personnel changes to ensure accountability and prevent similar actions from happening in the future. A functioning government relies on a professional, non-partisan civil service.”
The investigation will initially focus on agencies including the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Defense, were numerous reports of politically motivated personnel actions have surfaced.The lawmakers have set a deadline of [Date to be determined] for agencies to respond to their requests. They have indicated their willingness to subpoena information if necessary to ensure full cooperation.
The effort builds on previous investigations and reports detailing instances of Trump administration officials purging career staff perceived as disloyal or obstructing the administration’s agenda. These included the dismissal of State Department officials critical of the administration’s foreign policy, the removal of scientists at the EPA who raised concerns about environmental regulations, and the reassignment of intelligence officials who challenged the administration’s narrative on national security threats.
