Oversight
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.
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.
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Independent agencies targeted by Trump’s latest executive order
A regulatory expert said the directive will likely be challenged in court, as Congress has largely shielded some of the affected agencies from involvement by the White House.
Judge temporarily blocks Trump from firing Democratic member of federal employee appeals board
Trump has tried to remove Democratic officials in positions that safeguard civil service protections.
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Inspectors general file lawsuit to fight firings
The litigation comes as a Democratic member of the Merit Systems Protection Board who Trump removed is also asking the courts to stop her ousting.
DHS watchdog investigating TSA’s use of facial recognition
The review comes after a bipartisan group of senators previously called for the watchdog to look into TSA’s use of biometric tools “from both an authorities and privacy perspective.”
Congressional response to watchdog firings hindered by GOP control, Connolly says
A good government group fears that Trump will ignore rules about who can serve as an acting inspector general.
Court temporarily blocks Trump's spending freeze; government's top watchdog is reviewing whether it is legal
GAO has enforcement options if it deems the Trump administration is violating the law.
Trump fires multiple agency inspectors general
Sen. Grassley and a top watchdog said Trump did not adhere to congressional notification requirements about such removals.
Updated
Inspectors general have a new bipartisan caucus in the Senate
The president-elect has a record of removing inspectors general.
Top Oversight Democrat says he’s open to collaborate with the DOGE
The new Department of Government Efficiency — which, despite the “department” referenced in its name, is an advisory effort, not a government department — has aims to trim the federal workforce and hunt efficiencies in tech and fraud reduction efforts.
