USAID Inspector General Paul Martin Fired After Report on Agency Downsizing
Paul Martin, the inspector general for USAID, was fired a day after releasing a report on the unfavorable consequences of staffing cuts under the Trump administration, highlighting serious oversight risks.
The inspector general at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was fired on Tuesday, just a day after his office published a report highlighting the adverse effects of the Trump administration's drastic cutbacks at the agency, according to a letter obtained by NBC News.
Paul Martin, who had been the inspector general for USAID since 2023, received notification of his termination via email.
In the email, Trent Morse, Deputy Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel, stated, "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development is terminated, effective immediately." Martin's dismissal was first reported by CNN.
The report issued by USAID's Office of the Inspector General, which Martin oversaw, cautioned about the risks arising from staff shortages, notably the absence of oversight that could render the agency "susceptible to inadvertently funding entities or salaries of individuals associated with U.S.-designated terrorist organizations."
Additionally, the report mentioned the uncertainty regarding waivers for lifesaving assistance authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting that it jeopardized "more than $489 million of food assistance at ports, in transit, and in warehouses due to spoilage, unexpected storage requirements, and diversion."
Shortly after receiving his termination notice, Martin informed his staff about his dismissal.
In his farewell email, he expressed, "It has been a true honor and pleasure to walk alongside my OIG colleagues around the world as we sought to provide independent and aggressive oversight of USAID programs and personnel. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. And, as always, thank you for what you do and how you do it."
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding Martin's firing.
