Trump Administration Cuts Off Funding to Federal Oversight Body

(MENAFN) The Trump administration is cutting off funding to a pivotal federal oversight body effective Wednesday, in a move that has sparked urgent warnings from bipartisan lawmakers and former officials, media outlets report.

The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) — an independent agency that supports inspectors general with training, shared data systems, and investigative resources — is being defunded without prior notice. Experts warn the decision could significantly undermine the federal government's ability to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.

By eliminating CIGIE’s funding, the administration threatens to leave inspectors general disconnected and unequipped to effectively oversee federal agencies. The council’s stated role focuses on addressing government-wide issues while upholding standards of integrity, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.

A notice posted to CIGIE’s now-inaccessible website confirms the abrupt suspension: “Due to a lack of apportionment of funds, this website is currently unavailable.”

In a statement to media, a spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget defended the decision, accusing the watchdog community of political bias: “Inspector generals had become ‘corrupt, partisan, and, in some cases, have lied to the public,’” adding: “The American people will no longer be funding this corruption.”

The reaction from former oversight officials was swift. Former CIGIE chair Mark Greenblatt issued a statement warning that the loss of support infrastructure would leave inspectors general “isolated” and “severely compromised.” Similarly, Mike Ware, the former inspector general for the Small Business Administration, cautioned that the move threatens to dismantle key transparency systems.

The funding cut has prompted rare bipartisan pushback. Republican Senators Chuck Grassley and Susan Collins sent a letter, cited by media, demanding immediate clarification from the administration. They warned the decision could result in furloughs and the shutdown of vital oversight programs.

“We urgently request an explanation for these actions and ask that you promptly reverse course,” the senators wrote, urging a response by Friday.

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