1. United States
2. Letter

The Supreme Court's decision to temporarily halt lower court orders requiring the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to disclose information about its work and personnel is concerning from a transparency standpoint. While DOGE claims to be a presidential advisory body exempt from public records laws like the Freedom of Information Act, the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington argues that DOGE exercises substantial independent authority, making it subject to FOIA requirements. This dispute raises important questions about the balance between executive privilege and the public's right to know how taxpayer-funded government entities operate. The court's order blocks efforts to gather information that could shed light on DOGE's true nature and level of authority. Transparency promotes accountability, and the American people deserve insight into the activities of bodies like DOGE that potentially wield significant influence over public policy. I urge you to carefully examine this issue and consider measures to compel greater transparency from DOGE and similar entities within the executive branch. Erring on the side of openness strengthens democratic institutions and public trust in government. DOGE's activities should face scrutiny to ensure they align with the principles of a free and open society.