Fong has served for over two decades, under four presidents. She was initially appointed by Republican president George W. Bush.

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.

The USDA Inspector General deals with food safety, audits and investigations of the Agriculture Department and violations of animal welfare laws. The USDA has been one of the main agencies dealing with the outbreak of bird flu, which has spread to cattle and poultry. One person in Louisiana has died from the disease.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong had intended to stay after the White House terminated her, saying she believed the administration did not follow proper protocols.

In a dramatic turn of events, Phyllis Fong, the USDA Inspector General, was escorted out of her office for refusing to comply with her dismissal by the Trump administration. This incident raises questions about the legality and motivations behind her firing and the broader implications for federal oversight.