In an email to colleagues on Saturday, reviewed by Reuters, 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.

Phyllis Fong, a 22-year veteran, said the Trump administration had not followed proper protocols, according to Reuters sources.

Phyllis Fong, the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), was escorted from her office by security after she reportedly refused to comply with President Donald Trump's order to step down.