Senator Tom Cotton has stepped up to defend President Trump’s decision to relieve 18 inspectors general from their duties, creating yet another media frenzy over the New York businessman’s unconventional approach to governance. While critics have howled about the legality of the move, claiming that it lacked a proper Congressional notification, Cotton is having none of it. He pointed out that the Supreme Court has sided with Trump on similar issues before, reiterating that Congress does not get to dictate how presidents manage their own staff.
WATCH: Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) defends President Trump firing inspectors general:
“Time and time again, the Supreme Court has said that Congress can't impose restrictions on the president's power to remove officers…” pic.twitter.com/c6rf7RJFGX
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) January 26, 2025
As the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Cotton positions himself as a steadfast supporter of executive authority. He reminded the public that the nation’s highest court has made it clear: Congress can’t impose its will on the presidency when it comes to firing federal employees. This ruling, which has been reaffirmed over time, allows the president to operate without unnecessary bureaucratic baggage. In essence, if Trump wants to clean house, that’s his prerogative, and Cotton insists that it’s about time someone took the trash out.
The firing of the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau during Trump’s first term serves as a prime example that Cotton cited. Even with pushback from both sides of the aisle and limitations argued by the left, Trump came out on top after a Supreme Court decision validated his constitutional authority. If history has proven anything, it’s that the courts are not a fan of Congress trying to play puppet master with the presidency.
Describing the inspectors general as individuals who serve “at the pleasure of the president,” Cotton explained that having Trump’s trusted allies in key positions is essential for effective governance. After all, these are the individuals responsible for rooting out waste, fraud, and inefficiency within the government. Cotton emphasized that Trump rightly desires people on his team who share his vision and commitment to reforming bureaucratic agencies that have long been mired in red tape.
As for refilling those inspector general spots, Cotton believes it’s just a matter of time. He acknowledges that the president has a full plate with numerous appointments to make, but reassures that Trump’s authority to dismiss and subsequently appoint should stand strong against any legal challenges. This ongoing narrative is not just about the current administration; it taps into a wider issue of whether the executive branch or Congress holds the real power in the American political structure. In this case, Cotton clearly stands with the former, advocating for a presidential prerogative that supports reforms and efficient governance.