Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
The President issued an order mandating radical transparency concerning wasteful government spending.
All executive departments and agencies must publicly release comprehensive details of terminated programs, cancelled contracts, and any other discontinued federal funding.
This action aims to increase accountability and ensure taxpayer money is used effectively, advancing the national interest rather than the passion projects of unelected bureaucrats.
Arguments For
Increased government transparency leads to greater public accountability and reduces wasteful spending.
Public access to information allows for better oversight of government programs and spending decisions, fostering a more responsible use of taxpayer money.
Transparency can help identify and eliminate ineffective or duplicative programs, leading to more efficient allocation of resources.
Open access to information strengthens public trust in government and its institutions. The President's mandate is to act in the best interest of the American People. This level of disclosure aligns with this foundational tenet.
This action aligns with a broader effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness of governmental operations. Transparency is generally considered a cornerstone of public service.
Arguments Against
Public release of certain information could compromise national security, sensitive business information, or individual privacy.
The cost of compiling and publishing such extensive data could be significant, potentially diverting resources from other necessary government functions.
There could be legal challenges to the release of sensitive information, potentially leading to lengthy court battles and delays.
Some may argue that the existing government oversight mechanisms are already sufficient to address wasteful spending and promote accountability and don't require additional radical transparency measures.
Unintended consequences may arise; the sheer scale and scope of the mandated disclosure could overwhelm the public's capacity to analyze and understand it, leading to confusion or distorted conclusions.
Presidential Actions
SUBJECT: Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending
The United States Government spends too much money on programs, contracts, and grants that do not promote the interests of the American people. For too long, taxpayers have subsidized ideological projects overseas and domestic organizations engaged in actions that undermine the national interest. The American people have seen their tax dollars used to fund the passion projects of unelected bureaucrats rather than to advance the national interest. The American people have a right to see how the Federal Government has wasted their hard-earned wages.
I therefore direct the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) to take all appropriate actions to make public, to the maximum extent permitted by law and as the heads of agencies deem appropriate to promote the policies of my Administration, the complete details of every terminated program, cancelled contract, terminated grant, or any other discontinued obligation of Federal funds. Agencies shall ensure that such publication occurs in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the underlying contract, grant, or other award.
The President's directive addresses excessive government spending on ineffective programs.
It mandates transparency by requiring the publication of details concerning terminated programs, contracts, and grants.
This aims to enhance accountability and shift spending toward the national interest.
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