Choosing the next comptroller general is too important — don’t play politics

President Trump has gotten off to an extremely fast start in his second term, testing the extent of his executive power since being inaugurated in January. Meanwhile, Congress is behaving in a reactive manner rather than acting as a separate and equal branch of government, including with issues related to the legislative branch and government accountability.

While the Trump administration has made it clear that it wants to fight fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the federal government, one of the president’s first actions was to fire 17 inspectors general — without providing a cause or the statutorily required notice to Congress. This was inappropriate and perplexing, since the inspectors general are on the front line for fighting fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the federal government.

And what did Congress do about it? Nothing. 

The Department of Government Efficiency was the Trump administration’s initial effort to cut federal spending and improve the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of the government. DOGE even attempted to embed a team within the Government Accountability Office, even though the agency is part of the legislative branch.

This action was inappropriate and presented a clear conflict, since the GAO is reviewing at least 39 alleged improper impoundments of funds by the executive branch, many of which relate to activities by DOGE. GAO rejected the DOGE attempt.

Early in May, Trump fired the Librarian of Congress prior to the expiration of her 10-year term and without providing a reason. While the president had the authority to remove the librarian even though it is a legislative branch position, it was done with little to no consultation with Congress. 

Fortunately, the Comptroller General of the United States, who serves as the CEO of the GAO and the nation’s top accountability professional, can only be removed by impeachment or joint resolution of Congress signed by the president. In addition, removal can only be achieved for specified reasons. This is fully appropriate, since the comptroller general and the GAO must be independent from the executive branch in both form and substance.

There have only been eight comptroller generals since the GAO’s creation in 1921, and I served in the position from 1998 to 2008. The comptroller general must be highly qualified in terms of credentials and experience. He or she must be able to act in a manner that is professional, objective, fact-based, nonpartisan, nonideological, nonpersonal, fair and balanced. This is critical for both the comptroller general and the GAO to be effective and respected.

It is also important that the comptroller general receive strong bipartisan support. The last three comptroller generals were confirmed by the Senate via unanimous consent. Hopefully, the next comptroller general will be as well. 

The current comptroller general is Gene Dodaro, whose term is set to end on Dec. 22, 2025. Gene is very capable — I appointed him as acting comptroller general, but it took over two-and-a-half years for him to be nominated and confirmed. Congress needs to act much faster in filling the position this time. 

Given the importance of the position, the comptroller general appointment process may be the most complex in the federal government. It starts with a 10-member bipartisan and bicameral commission in Congress that must recommend at least three candidates. The president then nominates a candidate who must be confirmed by the Senate. Any nominee could be filibustered if he or she is not deemed to be a proper fit for the position.

The statutory commission is not formally established until the comptroller general position is vacant, but a significant amount of planning and preparation should happen before the official vacancy occurs. This includes conducting outreach efforts to appropriate professional and government organizations to identify potential candidates and preparing screening questionnaires and interview questions. 

Importantly, since the comptroller general is a legislative branch officer who must be independent, Congress needs to consider eliminating the president from the process. Congress should also consider reducing the appointment term to 10 years. These changes would require legislation.  

While DOGE has achieved a modest amount of savings and a reduction in the size of the federal workforce, it also caused also considerable disruption, and much work remains to be done. The GAO and inspectors general need to be on the front lines of this effort. These accountability organizations cannot be fully effective without confirmed leaders.

Congress and the president need to take steps to fill these important accountability leadership positions in a timely manner. This should be a good government and bipartisan effort. 

David Walker is the former U.S. Comptroller General.