Trump ousts at least 15 independent inspectors general in late-night purge

The White House removed inspectors general of nearly every Cabinet -level agency in an unprecedented purge that could clear the way for Trump to install loyalists in the crucial role of identifying fraud, waste and abuse in the government.

The dismissals appeared to violate federal law, which requires Congress to receive 30 days ’ notice of any intent to fire a Senate -confirmed inspector general.

Many of those dismissed Friday were Republicans or Trump appointees from his first term.

Watchdog group challenges White House's decision to dismiss inspectors general.

Watchdog chairman: "We do not believe the actions taken are legally sufficient to dismiss Presidentially Appointed , Senate Confirmed Inspectors General" Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer : "These firings are Donald Trump's way of telling us he is terrified of accountability".

Treasury Department deputy inspector general Loren Sciurba has been in charge at that office since the acting inspector general retired in December .

He was informed Friday that he was dismissed from his position, but as a career civil servant, he cannot be fired outright from the department.

The system of Senate -confirmed inspectors general at large agencies was established in the late 1970s after the Watergate scandal.