WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -Eight U.S. inspectors general sued President Donald Trump and his administration on Wednesday over his decision to fire them from their role as independent checks on abuse and mismanagement,

It’s not immediately clear whether the firings are legal, as the Trump administration is required to give a 30-day notice.

The role of the modern-day inspector general dates to post-Watergate Washington, when Congress installed offices inside agencies as an independent check against mismanagement and abuse of power.