Trump’s New Task Force Might Violate Transparency Laws

Watchdog to Admin: Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups is a Violation of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)

  “The President’s handling of this public health crisis has been one of epic mismanagement from day one. It is little wonder he’d prefer his dithering and lack of sound decision making to be kept private.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Trump once again looks outside his administration for public policy advice with the creation of the “Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups” announced yesterday, it appears he has once again turned his back on the ideals of transparency and accountability that the American people and our laws expect.

In haphazardly tapping more than 200 corporate CEOs to weigh in on economic policy, Trump may have violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). FACA, a law key to maintaining transparency when outside groups get involved in White House policy-making affairs, necessitates that such groups have open meetings and make public the results of their discussions.

It appears the Trump administration is attempting to skirt the transparency regulation on technicalities, like failing to officially name the group a “committee” — as if that makes a difference.

“The President’s handling of this public health crisis has been one of epic mismanagement from day one. It is little wonder he’d prefer his dithering and lack of sound decision making to be kept private,” said Kyle Herrig, president of Accountable.US. “Whether Trump likes it or not, we have laws that protect the public interest when it comes to transparency. He can’t just close the door and lock them out while he develops policy with a bunch of corporate cronies — many of whom have filled his campaign coffers.”

###