The government's top watchdog is retiring -- but the Trump probes continue
Source: Politico
12/07/2025 12:00 PM EST
Gene Dodaro started his career at what is now the Government Accountability Office in 1973, as then-President Richard Nixon was battling Congress for control of federal cash. More than a half-century later, Dodaro runs that watchdog agency amid another epic clash between Capitol Hill and the White House over President Donald Trump’s funding moves.
Now, with his 15-year term as comptroller general coming to an end in late December, he’s getting ready to retire. “I’m going into witness protection,” Dodaro, 74, said in a recent interview of his upcoming departure from the independent office with a workforce of more than 3,000.
He meant it as a joke. But Dodaro’s agency, which is tasked with auditing federal programs and helping lawmakers fulfill their constitutional duties, has been under an unprecedented level of scrutiny this year as conservative lawmakers and the White House publicly challenge GAO’s objectivity and seek to undermine its influence. Adding to the pressure on Dodaro, the Supreme Court this fall appeared to endorse the view that only the comptroller general has the authority to sue the Trump administration for flouting impoundment law — not the groups losing out on federal cash.
Dodaro has declined to take such legal action, despite the urging of some lawmakers, including Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins. “People are already suing in many cases,” he reasoned, adding that the court’s decision “surprised” him and that he won’t be “cajoled” into suing.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/07/gene-dodaro-gao-trump-impoundment-00679550
Some history about the GAO - https://www.gao.gov/about/what-gao-does/history
Created by - Budget and Accounting Act of 1921
Originally named the "Government Accounting Office" and later renamed to the "Government Accountability Office".
Like the Library of Congress, the President appoints the head (the Comptroller General for the GAO), but it is managed by Congress (including any other positions).