
A top federal official refused to accept her firing and had to be removed by security after attempting to remain at her post. Phyllis Fong, who had spent 22 years working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as Inspector General, was dismissed by President Donald Trump last Friday but continued working into the following week.
Despite the White House’s clear directive, Fong informed her staff she would not be leaving, arguing that her removal did not comply with federal guidelines. She cited support from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), which questioned the legality of the firings.
THIS is what WINNING looks like 🏆
Security physically REMOVED USDA Phyllis Fong as she refused to accept that she was FIRED by President Trump. pic.twitter.com/rTbHgjBPJH
— Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill10) January 29, 2025
On Monday, after refusing to step down, security officers were called to escort her out of the building. The USDA later claimed that she left without incident, but sources reported that she was unwilling to depart voluntarily.
USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong is out.
She led the department that was informed of fraud in the Feeding Our Future program—a $250 million scheme that took funds from hungry children—and did NOT act.
— House Committee on Education & Workforce (@EdWorkforceCmte) January 27, 2025
The Trump administration removed 17 inspectors general from their roles, including those at the Defense, State, and Energy Departments. The White House justified the firings as a necessary step to replace partisan officials with individuals who would properly carry out the administration’s policies.
BREAKING: USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong was reportedly escorted out of her office by security after she refused to leave after President Trump fired her.
Bye bye đź‘‹ pic.twitter.com/ZClXI38Zpr
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 29, 2025
Fong’s office had conducted investigations into USDA programs, food safety concerns, and regulatory enforcement. She had also worked on oversight efforts involving private companies connected to the agency’s operations.
They had to perp walk Phyllis Fong because she refused to accept that elections have consequences. The People have spoken! Get up out of there, Phyllis.
pic.twitter.com/UVd6DbZcEp— Moe Dimanche (@MoeDimanche) January 29, 2025