Oversight
GAO: Transportation Department can’t withhold electric vehicle infrastructure program funds
The Government Accountability Office determined that the DOT and the Federal Highway Administration ran afoul of the Impoundment Control Act when they suspended appropriations for the Biden-era grant program.
Judge overturns firing of Democrats on intelligence and privacy oversight body
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board has played a major role as a watchdog of controversial intelligence collection programs.
Government oversight employees detail fears of retaliation under Trump administration in new Senate report
President Donald Trump has, so far, fired 19 inspectors general, who are independent watchdogs that investigate waste, fraud and abuse in federal agencies.
Biden’s Social Security head ran afoul of the Hatch Act, watchdog agency says
Because Martin O’Malley left the federal government at the end of the Biden administration, the Office of Special Counsel said that it would not pursue disciplinary action against him.
Pandemic IG spent end of tenure simultaneously in leadership at a different agency
A good government group argued the “double hatting” undermines public trust in the independent watchdogs, while the Housing and Urban Development Department said there was no overlap between Brian Miller’s work as an inspector general and general counsel.
End of pandemic inspector general's office could hurt ongoing efforts to enforce accountability
A former senior official for the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery said there were about 40 unfinished cases when the office’s authority lapsed, some of which were referred to other agencies and others closed.
Government watchdog reports that its unimplemented recommendations could save $100 billion
President Donald Trump has prioritized government efficiency, primarily through an effort led by Elon Musk.
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NDAs for VA employees working on staff reduction plans prompts House Dems probe
The use of non-disclosure agreements could "chill employees from disclosing violations of waste, fraud and abuse," top oversight Democrat says.
A DOGE aide involved in CFPB cuts owns stock prohibited by ethics laws
Gavin Kliger, a 25-year-old DOGE employee tasked with assisting in the recent rollout of more than 1,400 RIF notices at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau owns stock in several companies overseen by the agency.
Connolly, top Democrat on oversight panel, will ‘soon’ leave post due to worsening cancer diagnosis
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., has led criticism of the Trump administration’s attempts to overhaul federal agencies.
DOGE is building a ‘master database’ of sensitive information, top Oversight Democrat says
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is calling on the Social Security Administration’s watchdog to investigate whistleblower claims that the efficiency team is compiling potentially sensitive data across several government agencies.
Former GOP congressman nominated to independent watchdog role
Anthony D’Esposito, a retired NYPD detective, served on the House Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure and Administration committees and introduced several measures concerning law enforcement issues during his one term.
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Democratic oversight leader warns against staff cuts to agency FOIA offices
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., is requesting details from agencies after high-profile removals by the Trump administration of officials who handle Freedom of Information Act requests.
Democrats push the Justice Department to keep the Election Threats Task Force amid rollbacks
The task force was created to help protect election officials from stalking and threats, but its future remains in question after the Trump administration scrapped other election integrity initiatives.
Senate Democrats want details on DOGE and DHS attempts to access IRS data
The IRS reportedly rejected the broad requests for taxpayer information, but the lawmakers worry recent actions have “left the door open for future requests.”
Congresswoman concerned acting leader of Commerce Department watchdog was previously removed from the position
Deputy Inspector General Roderick Anderson is again leading the Commerce Department’s OIG following the mass firing of oversight officials.
Judge orders DOGE to comply with FOIA requests
Trump officials have argued that records from the government efficiency initiative fall under the Presidential Records Act, which can temporarily shield information from public scrutiny.
Judge blocks Trump administration from firing Democratic member of Merit Systems Protection Board
The ruling follows a weekend decision to stop the removal of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger, who has pushed back on the firings of probationary employees.
Multiple groups file lawsuits to get DOGE records
Plaintiffs argue the Musk-led initiative is an agency whose records can be requested for release, while the Trump administration says they’re protected presidential records.
Comptroller general says impoundment violations are a ‘high priority’ for GAO
Gene Dodaro said the Government Accountability Office will move “as quickly and thoroughly as possible” to enforce potential violations of the Impoundment Control Act as the Trump administration seeks to take a cleaver to federal spending.
Musk might have violated federal employee ethics law, lawyers say
Enforcement of the Hatch Act, which restricts the political activity of government workers, has historically been weak against high-ranking officials.
