Cardell Richardson

Cardell Kenneth Richardson (born March 1954) is an American government official and retired United States Air Force colonel who served as the 17th Inspector General of the Department of State.

Early life and education Cardell Kenneth Richardson was born in March 1954 in Washington, D.C. He is the son of Charles Franklin Richardson, a government official who migrated from North Carolina to Washington, D.C. in the 1940s, and Mary Bernetta Parker Richardson, a Washingtonian government employee. He has at least three siblings.

Richardson worked in the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for over two decades, including as the Inspector General.

In July 2023, President Joe Biden nominated Richardson to be the Inspector General of the Department of State. His appointment was confirmed by the Senate on May 2, 2024 and he took office on May 20.

On January 24, 2025, he was fired by President Donald Trump along with several other inspectors general, although the legality of the firings remains under question.

Personal life Richardson married Jackie Taylor in 1977, and they have two children together. He has previously lived in South Korea and Germany.

Richardson has received the Presidential Rank Award twice.