WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal judge this week declined to reinstate eight former inspectors general who sued after being abruptly dismissed by the Trump administration. The ruling leaves the firings in place while the lawsuit proceeds, despite the judge's acknowledgment that the removals likely violated federal law.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes wrote that President Donald Trump almost certainly disregarded the statutory process governing the removal of inspectors general, who serve as nonpartisan watchdogs across federal agencies.

However, she determined that the plaintiffs had not shown enough irreparable harm to justify temporary reinstatement. Reyes added that even if she ordered their return, the administration could comply with notice requirements and remove them again after 30 days.

The dispute centers on Trump's January 24 removal of 17 inspectors general, eight of whom are suing. Each was notified by a brief two-sentence email citing only "changing priorities." The dismissals swept through nearly every cabinet-level agency, sparing only two inspectors general. The plaintiffs had served at agencies including Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Education, Labor, and the Small Business Administration.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued the dismissals were unlawful because the White House failed to provide Congress with the required 30-day notice and did not give a case-specific justification. They emphasized the importance of inspectors general, whose oversight in 2023 alone was credited with saving taxpayers more than US$90 billion. The firings, they warned, weakened agencies' ability to detect fraud and abuse.

Government lawyers countered that the president has broad authority to remove inspectors general "at any time and with no preconditions." They argued that the congressional notice requirement exists independently of the removal power and does not restrict it.

In her ruling, Reyes praised the plaintiffs for "exceptional service as IGs, marked by decades of distinguished leadership across multiple administrations." She added, "They deserved better from their government. They still do. Unfortunately, this Court cannot provide Plaintiffs more."

Reyes noted the plaintiffs could be compensated if they ultimately prevail in the lawsuit.

The judge also acknowledged the constitutional complexities of the case, questioning whether Congress has the power to limit the president's authority to remove inspectors general. "This is a close call under the best of circumstances," she wrote, noting that inspectors general do not fit neatly into existing categories of federal officers.

Reyes, a Biden appointee, has previously ruled in other high-profile disputes involving Trump's executive actions, including blocking his administration's attempt to bar transgender people from military service.