Congress Begins Search for New Top Watchdog as Trump Nomination Looms

For the first time in nearly two decades, Congress is preparing to appoint new leadership at the federal government’s top watchdog agency — the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

The transition follows the retirement of longtime Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, who leaves behind a reputation for independence and credibility. In the interim, Orice Williams Brown, a veteran GAO official, has stepped in as acting head of the more than 3,000-employee agency.

A Critical Appointment Ahead

Under federal law, congressional leaders must now recommend candidates for President Donald Trump to nominate to the powerful role. The comptroller general serves a 15-year term, and once confirmed by the Senate, will oversee GAO investigations — including dozens examining whether the Trump administration violated the law in 2025 by withholding billions of dollars already approved by Congress.

“We’re going to look for someone who’s honest,” said Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). “I think it would be a mistake to get somebody who’s been real active in political processes.”

As chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Paul is legally guaranteed a seat on the bipartisan, 10-member panel responsible for recommending at least three finalists to the president.

GAO Under Political Pressure

While many Republicans on Capitol Hill continue to support GAO’s mission, the agency has faced criticism in recent months from conservative lawmakers and Trump advisers. Some have openly ridiculed the legislative branch office tasked with auditing federal agencies, assisting Congress in its constitutional oversight role, and challenging executive actions that infringe on congressional authority.

The pressure has intensified amid calls for the comptroller general to take legal action against the Trump administration over withheld federal funds. This scrutiny grew sharper after the Supreme Court appeared to suggest that the GAO head may be the only official with legal standing to sue under decades-old impoundment laws.

Calls for Independence

Democrats say the next GAO leader must remain politically neutral.

“The next comptroller general must be willing to call balls and strikes regardless of which party occupies the White House,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who will also serve on the selection panel.

Peters praised Dodaro’s tenure, calling it a “legacy of tremendous credibility, integrity and independence.”

Who’s on the Selection Panel?

The bipartisan panel will include key congressional leaders from both chambers:

Senate Members

• Majority Leader John Thune
• Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
• President pro tempore Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)
• Sen. Rand Paul
• Sen. Gary Peters

House Members

• Speaker Mike Johnson
• Majority Leader Steve Scalise
• Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
• House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.)
• Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), ranking member on Oversight

Jeffries said he plans to consult with House Democrats before deciding which candidates to support.

Oversight Priorities

Comer emphasized that Republicans want a GAO leader focused on accountability.

“We want them to be aggressive,” Comer said, citing the GOP’s familiar focus on “waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement.” He added that the next comptroller general should not only identify problems, but help craft solutions.

In a tribute speech earlier this month, Comer praised Dodaro as “deeply respected across the government and the oversight community for his integrity, candor and dedication.”

A Process That May Take Time

If past transitions are any guide, the appointment process could stretch on.

Dodaro himself served as acting comptroller general for more than two years before his Senate confirmation in 2010. His predecessor, David Walker, also faced a two-year confirmation gap.

Paul acknowledged that early discussions about launching the bipartisan selection process have begun, but said details remain limited.

“I don’t know much more than that,” he said.