USAID watchdog fired after critical report on the bid to dismantle the agency

USAID inspector general fired after critical report on Trump administration's dismantling of agency, sparking controversy.

The inspector general for the U.S. Agency for International Development was fired on Tuesday (February 11, 2025), a USAID official said, a day after his office published a report critical of the Trump administration's effort to eliminate the agency.

Paul Martin had served as the agency's inspector general, a position requiring U.S. Senate confirmation, since December 2023.

The USAID official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said Mr. Martin was "removed from his position."

Mr. Martin was informed by an email from Trent Morse, deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel. Mr. Morse told Mr. Martin that his position as USAID inspector general was terminated "effective immediately," a copy of the email showed.

No reason was provided. The White House did not have any comment.

The inspector general's office on Monday (February 10) released a report that said the Trump administration's move to dismantle USAID has crippled its ability to conduct oversight of unspent aid worth $8.2 billion.

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