1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

I am writing to express serious concern about the increasing lack of transparency in federal agencies, particularly around the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), secrecy in workforce planning, and attempts to circumvent the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These practices are eroding public trust in government and run counter to the principles of open democracy. Federal workforce restructuring, including any planning for Reductions in Force (RIFs), is required by law and precedent to be a transparent process. The American public has a right to know how public servants are being treated, which agencies are affected, and what the broader policy goals are. Yet, in recent months, critical information has been withheld, and agency employees have reportedly been compelled to sign NDAs—effectively silencing the very individuals who could provide clarity and accountability. Particularly troubling is the White House’s claim that the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), or “DOGE” as it has been renamed, is not subject to FOIA due to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This is a disturbing distortion of the law. The PRA was never intended to shield agencies from transparency—it was designed to reduce bureaucratic burden, not public oversight. The decision to hide federal personnel plans and exempt certain programs from public inquiry sends a clear and chilling message: this administration does not want the American people to know what it is doing. Transparency is not optional. It is essential to our democracy. FOIA is not a loophole to be exploited but a legal obligation that ensures the public can hold its government accountable. I urge you to demand answers, enforce oversight, and, if necessary, introduce legislation to strengthen FOIA protections and prevent abuse of NDAs within the federal government. This is not a partisan issue—it is a matter of constitutional integrity, institutional accountability, and public trust!