In an unprecedented move, the inspectors general for the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) are expected to step down from their roles.

Amid President-elect Donald Trump's plans to reform the federal bureaucracy, the watchdogs for the CIA and ODNI have plans to submit their resignations, as Breitbart reports.

The departures were first reported by the Project on Government Oversight, revealing that both Thomas Monheim and Robin Ashton would be vacating their positions prior to Trump's inauguration.

This change comes at a critical time as Trump has publicly committed to purging what he calls "rogue and corrupt elements" within the government.

Inspectors General Exit Ahead of Inauguration

Monheim has served as the acting inspector general for the ODNI since the latter part of the first Trump administration, after replacing Michael Atkinson.

Atkinson was dismissed following his involvement in transmitting a whistleblower complaint that eventually led to Trump's first impeachment.

Robin Ashton, the outgoing CIA inspector general, along with Monheim, was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2021. Their impending departures are viewed by many as a preemptive exit before the installation of Trump's nominees.

John Ratcliffe and Tulsi Gabbard, both prominent figures known for their support of Trump, have been nominated to lead the CIA and ODNI, respectively.

Ratcliffe previously held the position of Director of National Intelligence, while Gabbard is a former Democrat congresswoman from Hawaii.

Nominations Signal Major Agency Reforms

The role of inspectors general is critical within federal agencies. They are tasked with investigating and reporting on instances of waste, fraud, and abuse of power.

Their reports are directed not only to the heads of agencies but also to Congress, ensuring a layer of accountability, especially significant when both the executive and legislative branches are aligned politically.

These positions are typically seen as essential to the integrity of agencies, operating independently to oversee government activities and safeguard against the overreach of power.

The exit of Monheim and Ashton raises concerns about the continuity of oversight and transparency in these high-security environments.

The term "administrative state" used frequently by critics of the federal bureaucracy, describes the phenomenon where unelected officials in administrative agencies exert significant influence and authority, often creating their own policies and rules, which can clash with constitutional principles.

Upcoming Changes and Oversight Challenges

The resignations and subsequent nominations underscore the potentially transformative changes Trump aims to implement within key areas of the national security apparatus. This shift is anticipated as part of his broader agenda to reshape the federal bureaucracy to align more closely with his governance style and policy objectives.

As these agencies prepare for new leadership, the implications for national intelligence and security operations are profound.

The appointments of Ratcliffe and Gabbard are particularly notable, given their previous political and administrative roles, which have been characterized by staunch support for Trump's policies.

Observers and critics alike are keenly watching these developments, aware that the effectiveness and independence of these agencies' oversight functions could be significantly influenced by the personalities and policies of their new leaders.