### Departures of Key Intelligence Watchdogs Raise Concerns Over Independence in Trump's Upcoming Term

The recent announcements of departures by two key inspectors general (IGs) in U.S. intelligence agencies have sparked alarm among some lawmakers about the future independence of national security oversight as Donald Trump prepares for his second term. Thomas Monheim, the IG at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), is set to resign, while Robin Ashton, the CIA IG, is retiring. Although both were appointed by President Joe Biden and neither has publicly attributed their departures to Trump's return, the timing has raised eyebrows.

The departures were revealed earlier this week by the Project on Government Oversight and confirmed by CQ Roll Call. These IGs play essential roles by conducting audits and investigations to ensure funds are not misused and to uncover fraud, and they report their findings both to their respective agencies and to Congress. The roles are particularly noted for their independence and nonpartisanship, attributes that historically do not change hands between different presidential administrations.

Adding to the unease, the National Security Agency’s inspector general office is currently led by the deputy IG, Kevin Gerrity, as Kristi Zuleika Lane Scott’s nomination to be the permanent IG has been stalled in the Senate since July. Meanwhile, Robert Storch, the Pentagon's inspector general, has made no announcements regarding any career changes, further casting uncertainty over the watchdog landscape.

Senators like Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Angus King, an independent from Maine who caucuses with the Democrats, have expressed serious concerns over what the future holds for these oversight roles. Warren stressed that IGs are vital for governmental oversight regardless of which party is in control, while King characterized the departures as unsettling.

Concerns are particularly high given Trump’s previous term when he fired or sidelined multiple IGs, actions perceived by many as retaliatory measures against those who reported unfavorable findings about his administration. During a short span in 2020, Trump dismissed five IGs, including Michael Atkinson, who had a key role in forwarding the whistleblower complaint that led to Trump’s first impeachment, and Steve Linick, amid an investigation into then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Robin Ashton, who has served as the CIA IG for three and a half years, announced she is retiring after 38 years in public service. Similarly, Thomas Monheim, who stated pride in the IG team’s nonpartisan work, will depart by January 3, 2025. Irvin McCullough from the Government Accountability Project highlighted the importance of selecting IGs who would continue to safeguard against waste and wrongdoing, rather than opting for officials more loyal to Trump than to their oversight duties.

As uncertainty looms, both Democrats and independent watchdog organizations are gearing up to scrutinize who will fill these crucial roles and whether they will uphold the high standards of independence that these positions require.