Phyllis Fong, who has worked for the USDA for 22 years, was removed from the agency on Jan. 27. (Getty Images | USDA)
"The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides leadership in promoting economy and effectiveness in USDA programs and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse," the description reads. "Ms. Fong’s priorities as IG have been to focus OIG’s resources on the protection of public health and safety related to USDA’s mission and operations, and to improve the management and financial integrity of the Department’s programs."
Since Jan. 20, President Donald Trump has fired several government employees across dozens of agencies. Inspectors general are one of many targeted employees, along with those in DEI roles.
On Saturday, a White House official told Fox News that 17 independent watchdogs at various federal agencies were sacked late Friday. The inspectors general worked for the Defense Department, State Department and Energy Department, in addition to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs and more.
TRUMP SAYS IRON DOME CONSTRUCTION WILL BE 'IMMEDIATE,' SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER
Former President Donald Trump headlines a Republican National Committee spring donor retreat in Palm Beach, Fla., on May 4, 2024. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)
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Fox News Digital reached out to Fong, the White House and the USDA for comment.
Reuters and Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/usda-official-fired-trump-admin-escorted-office-refusing-comply-termination