Federal Employee Defies Firing Order Until Security Removes Her

A government worker who refused to leave her position after being dismissed by President Donald Trump had to be escorted from her office by security. Phyllis Fong, the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), was terminated on Friday along with several other inspectors general. Despite her removal, she attempted to remain in her role, insisting that the dismissal was not legally valid.

Fong cited support from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), which questioned the legality of her termination. She told colleagues she intended to stay, arguing that the White House had failed to follow the proper legal process. However, the administration pushed forward with its decision, standing by the firings.

When Fong continued showing up for work the following week, security personnel were brought in to remove her from the premises. Reports indicate she did not leave voluntarily, though the USDA later released a statement suggesting that she departed of her own accord.

The White House defended the move, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the firings were part of a necessary overhaul of federal agencies. She emphasized that Trump had the authority to remove government employees and that any legal challenge would be unsuccessful.

Fong was first appointed during the George W. Bush administration and had spent more than two decades overseeing audits and investigations into USDA operations. Her dismissal is part of a broader effort by Trump to replace federal officials he views as obstacles to his administration’s priorities.