An open letter to the President & U.S. Congress; State Governors & Legislatures

Pass Truth & Accountability Legislation - Stop Misinformation in Govt

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I urge you to take immediate action to prohibit public officials from knowingly spreading false or misleading information. Recent events, such as Elon Musk’s misleading claims about federal savings, demonstrate the urgent need for legislation enforcing truthfulness in public discourse. Whether at the state or federal level, clear penalties should be established for elected officials who deliberately deceive the public. Accountability in governance is essential to maintaining trust in our democratic system. Research shows that political dishonesty erodes public trust and weakens democratic institutions. A study from the Harvard Gazette describes this trend as an “epidemic of political lying.” Moreover, experiments have shown that exposure to dishonest leaders increases dishonest behavior among citizens. When misinformation is allowed to spread unchecked, it distorts public decision-making and fuels cynicism toward government. Other governments are addressing this issue. Wales is considering legislation to remove politicians from office if they are caught deliberately lying. Implementing similar measures in the United States—through ethics rules, election laws, or legal consequences for intentional deception—would promote accountability and restore faith in government at all levels. I urge you to support and introduce legislation that ensures elected officials are truthful and accountable to the public they serve.

▶ Created on February 24 by Accountability Starts Now

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