The Trump administration has reportedly dismissed at least 12 independent inspectors general from major federal agencies, according to U.S. media outlets.

The Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources, that the affected agencies include the Departments of Defense, State, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Energy.

Further reports by The New York Times indicated that the purge involved 17 agencies, excluding Michael Horowitz, the Inspector General for the Department of Justice.

The dismissal seemingly contravenes federal law requiring Congress to be notified 30 days in advance about any intent to remove an inspector general, according to The Washington Post.

This move potentially paves the way for President Trump to appoint individuals loyal to him in these critical oversight positions.

The role of an inspector general primarily involves investigating waste, fraud, and misconduct in government operations.

An inspector general can be dismissed either by the President or the agency head, depending on who nominated or appointed them.

Most of those dismissed were appointed during President Trump's first term, as reported by The Washington Post.

It was also noted that inspectors were informed of their dismissal via email from the White House's Office of Personnel Management director, indicating their immediate termination.

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding these reports.