01/27/2017

Trump Orders Agencies to Resist Communications

Watchdog groups are concerned that the administration is muzzling agencies

The Trump administration has ordered multiple federal agencies to cease communicating to the public through news releases, social media accounts, media interviews or other channels.

According to The Washington Post, the directive applies formally to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior, but has caused other agencies such as Transportation and Health and Human Services to tread cautiously in their external messaging, as well.

Asked about the administration’s gag order this week, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said, “I don’t think it’s any surprise that when there’s an administration turnover that we’re going to review the policies.”

Watchdog groups are concerned that the administration is muzzling agencies that convey information to the public on a wide range of concerns. Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit environmental group based in Washington, DC, said the administration’s actions to silence the EPA are dangerous.

“The EPA, like all federal agencies, is funded by taxpayer dollars, and Americans have the right to know what’s being done to protect or harm public health and the environment,” said EWP President Ken Cook. “The Kremlin may be able to get away with this kind of iron-handed censorship, but Americans of all political stripes should be furious.”

Reports that the administration is restricting communications at the EPA and other agencies have alarmed members of Congress as well.

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), ranking member on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, went on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” this week to encourage federal employees to reach out to him if they are concerned about the administration’s policies.

“I want to make sure all of those federal employees who have anything they want to say to Congress, because there is some confusion as to whether they can talk to us, I’m telling you the law protects you and I will do every single thing in my power to make sure you’re protected,” Cummings said on the program.

This article was provided to OSAE by The Power of A.