Following a HuffPost report revealing the Trump White House’s limited release of presidential transcripts — only 29 of 146 in his first 100 days — all available transcripts were subsequently removed and replaced with videos. This action, which also affected some transcripts from Vice President Vance and Press Secretary Leavitt, was justified by the White House as providing equivalent access; however, this claim is inaccurate, as the available videos are a curated selection omitting many significant events. This lack of transparency contrasts sharply with the practices of previous administrations, further highlighting the administration’s resistance to openness.
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Following a change in administration, the CDC’s public health communication channels have been significantly curtailed. Numerous newsletters and health alerts have ceased distribution, while social media postings have dramatically decreased and now require HHS approval, resulting in significant delays or rejection of content. This reduction in communication coincides with ongoing disease outbreaks and chronic illness prevalence, potentially jeopardizing public health. The shift has led to concerns that political messaging is supplanting vital public health information, impacting the agency’s ability to effectively warn and protect the public.
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Following reports in Dagens Nyheter regarding “sensitive” photos from his Grindr account, Dan Eliasson Thyberg withdrew his acceptance of the National Security Advisor position. He acknowledged failing to disclose the photos to the government. Deputy National Security Adviser Annika Brändström will temporarily assume the role while a new recruitment process commences. This marks the second instance of a Swedish National Security Advisor leaving under unusual circumstances.
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Steve Bannon demands transparency from Elon Musk regarding his Department of Government Efficiency work, requesting specific details on uncovered fraud and waste before Musk disengages. Bannon also expressed distrust, demanding certification that no Trump administration data was accessed, despite supporting Musk’s efforts to cut government spending. He criticizes the current cuts as insufficient, advocating for deeper reductions in Pentagon and other discretionary spending to fund tax cuts, a position he maintains despite his past criticisms of Musk. Bannon further urges the Trump administration to implement previously discussed tax increases on millionaires.
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An E. coli outbreak in November 2024, affecting 89 individuals across 15 states, resulted in one death and numerous hospitalizations, including a child who suffered near-fatal kidney failure. The FDA closed its investigation without publicly naming the responsible companies, citing a lack of available contaminated lettuce and therefore no actionable advice for consumers. This decision, however, has drawn criticism from food safety advocates and victims who believe the public has a right to know which companies were involved, to make informed choices and prevent future incidents. The FDA maintains that its response aligned with existing policy, prioritizing actionable consumer advice.
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The White House’s decision to eliminate a regular reporting slot for independent newswires represents a concerning move towards controlling information flow. This action directly impacts access for smaller news organizations, raising serious questions about transparency and the administration’s commitment to a free press. The elimination of this slot isn’t simply a matter of rearranging press access; it’s a calculated step to limit diverse perspectives and potentially silence critical voices.
The stated rationale for this change is often vague, lacking transparency itself. Claims of expanding access to “non-traditional” media by favoring print outlets seem contradictory and arbitrary, particularly given the broader context of suppressed independent voices.… Continue reading
The CIA reviewed former Director John Ratcliffe’s Signal account on March 31st, following reports of a journalist’s unauthorized access to a sensitive group chat. The review, documented in a court filing related to a lawsuit against White House officials, revealed that the chat contained only administrative information and not the substantive messages discussing U.S. military plans in Yemen. These messages, allegedly shared on March 24th, prompted bipartisan criticism and legal action alleging violations of federal record-keeping laws. The absence of sensitive information on the reviewed account remains a key point of contention.
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Following a lawsuit, newly released records reveal South Dakota spent over $150,000 on former Governor Kristi Noem’s travel, much of which was unrelated to state business and included trips for political events and personal activities. These expenses, totaling over $640,000 during her tenure, sparked outrage among state Republicans, who criticized the use of taxpayer funds for personal gain. While Noem’s office claims security costs were justified, critics argue that campaign funds should have covered expenses tied to her political ambitions. The lack of transparency surrounding these expenditures has raised concerns about South Dakota’s relatively lax disclosure requirements for gubernatorial travel.
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The suggestion that an Atlantic editor might publicly release the full text messages of Hegseth’s purported war plans is a fascinating development, fraught with potential consequences. The core issue hinges on the starkly contrasting statements from the White House and Hegseth himself. The White House insists no classified information was shared, a claim seemingly contradicted by Hegseth’s denial of even participating in the relevant group chat. This discrepancy creates a significant opportunity for the editor.
If the White House’s assertion of no classified information holds true, then releasing the texts would appear to present minimal legal risk. The act itself would become a powerful demonstration of transparency, forcing a direct confrontation with the administration’s narrative.… Continue reading
Elon Musk’s threat to find and punish leakers of what he considers “maliciously false information” has been met with defiance. Government employees, directly addressing Musk, have asserted that they are public servants, not beholden to his whims. They’ve made it clear they’re not intimidated; instead, they view their actions as a vital act of public service.
The rationale behind these leaks is a commitment to transparency. These individuals believe the public has a right to know about the dysfunction and deception within government agencies. They feel a moral obligation to expose problems, regardless of the potential consequences. Their actions are motivated by a desire to hold those in power accountable, a goal they see as aligned with the ideals of transparency and open information.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood