September 24, 2025

A federal judge on Wednesday declined to reinstate eight former inspectors general who sued after being abruptly dismissed by the Trump administration but said that President Donald Trump likely broke the law in removing them without giving Congress notice or justification.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, appointed in 2023 by former Democratic President Joe Biden, ruled that although the watchdogs’ firings may have violated the Inspector General Act, they failed to demonstrate “irreparable harm” sufficient to warrant reinstatement while litigation proceeds.

Reyes noted that even if she granted their reinstatement, Trump could legally remove them again after 30 days, as long as he submits notice and a rationale to Congress as required by statute. Still, the judge strongly admonished the administration, writing, “President Trump violated the IGA. That much is obvious.”

Read more:

https://www.newsweek.com/trump-court-win-biden-judge-reyes-inspectors-10484244