Federal Worker Escorted Out After Refusing To Accept Termination

A longtime federal employee refused to leave her position after being fired by President Donald Trump, requiring security to intervene. Phyllis Fong, who served as the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for over two decades, was informed of her dismissal on Friday but attempted to remain at her office on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Sources say Fong insisted the White House had not followed proper protocol in her termination and told colleagues she intended to continue working despite being removed from her role. The administration, however, stood firm on the decision, stating that Trump was exercising his authority to replace officials who had failed to maintain neutrality in their oversight responsibilities.

The situation escalated when Fong was asked to leave but did not comply, prompting security to escort her from the premises. The USDA later issued a statement denying that security forcibly removed her, claiming she departed voluntarily. However, reports indicate that she had to be accompanied from the building after refusing to leave.

The White House has defended the decision to remove Fong along with 16 other inspectors general, arguing that the shakeup was necessary to restore accountability in federal agencies. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the administration would fight any legal challenge to the dismissals, saying the president acted within his authority.

Fong was initially appointed during the George W. Bush administration and held her position through multiple presidencies. She was involved in oversight efforts related to food safety and agricultural investigations. Her removal is part of a broader effort by Trump to replace government officials he views as obstacles to his agenda.