Norton Calls Trump Administration “Most Corrupt in History” in Oversight Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from today’s Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (COGR) hearing on fraud and misuse of government funds in Minnesota. 

“My Republican colleagues have now held two hearings to talk about fraud in one single state.  But they have completely ignored the fact that the Trump administration is the most corrupt administration in history,” Norton said. “If Republicans really cared about fraud, abuse and holding criminals accountable, they would call out Donald Trump for firing 17 inspectors general. These internal watchdogs are the frontline of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse at federal agencies.”

Norton’s full remarks follow.

Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hearing of the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform

March 4, 2026

It is critical that the federal government support people who need assistance with food, housing and health care. Unfortunately, as long as the government provides these services, there will be bad actors trying to take advantage of them.

We need to prevent and identify these fraudsters so that social services can reach those who need them. However, we cannot recklessly deny help to the many people who need these services because of a few bad actors. 

My Republican colleagues have now held two hearings to talk about fraud in one single state.  But they have completely ignored the fact that the Trump administration is the most corrupt administration in history.

If Republicans really cared about fraud, abuse and holding criminals accountable, they would call out Donald Trump for firing 17 inspectors general. These internal watchdogs are the frontline of rooting out waste, fraud and abuse at federal agencies.

The Trump administration has also retaliated against whistleblowers, and allowed administration officials to engage in serious conflicts of interest that often cross the line into outright corruption. 

We need inspectors general, whistleblower protections and rules prohibiting conflicts of interest to protect federal programs and make sure that people can get the services they need.

Across the country, Americans are struggling to afford their health care premiums and their groceries. The Trump administration should be strengthening the social safety net, not cutting the safeguards that catch fraudsters taking advantage of it.

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