[NYPOST] Security agents escorted the inspector general of the US Department of Agriculture out of her office on Monday after she refused to comply with her firing by the Trump administration, sources familiar with the matter told Rooters.
Phyllis Fong, a 22-year veteran of the department, had earlier told colleagues that she intended to stay after the White House terminated her Friday, saying she didn't believe the administration had followed proper protocols, the sources said.
In an email to colleagues on Saturday, reviewed by Rooters, she said the independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency ''has taken the position that these termination notices do not comply with the requirements set out in law and therefore are not effective at this time.''
Fong declined to comment.
The White House defended the firing of Fong and the other inspectors general, saying ''these rogue, partisan babus bureaucrats — have been relieved of their duties in order to make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.''
The USDA, however, denied that security officials were involved in the incident in an email to Fox News Digital on Wednesday night.
"According to an internal security report, Phyllis Fong departed the USDA premises on Monday, January 27 of her own accord," a spokesperson said. "She was accompanied by two friends who she paused to take selfies with on her way out. Security officials did not play any role in her departure."
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