Trump’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Must Comply with FACA
Washington D.C. – Public Citizen sent a letter to Trump transition co-chairs Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, detailing that the announced “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” must comply with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
DOGE, which President-elect Donald Trump announced will be co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, will not in fact be a federal department. Trump has indicated it “will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government” rather than be led by federal employees. The Publc Citizen letter explains that the department is subject to FACA which aims to “enhance public accountability of advisory committees established by the Executive Branch.”
The letter, sent by Public Citizen co-presidents Lisa Gilbert and Robert Weissman, notes that “FACA imposes several requirements on advisory committees to ensure that the government obtains quality advice from diverse sources and operates transparently.”
Commenting on the matter, Lisa Gilbert said: “As described, Musk and Ramaswamy’s new ‘DOGE’ is being organized as an advisory committee. As such, it is imperative that FACA requirements are strictly adhered to. This includes rigorous transparency and the requirement of diverse and balanced points of view being represented. It’s ironic that the entity intended to slash critical, life-saving regulations, is trying to skirt the rules that are applicable to it.”
Robert Weissman added: “Based on Elon Musk’s comments, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency is poised to make far-reaching recommendations that could have a devastating impact on Americans and enormously benefit insiders, starting with Musk himself. FACA is designed exactly for situations like this. With the stakes so high, Americans must have the assurance of a balanced committee and openness standards.”