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Category: Information, Memory and Manipulation ×
Trait: Transparency laws are weakened or unenforced ×
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Attack target 21
Transparency 46The Information Environment 37The Justice Department 27Truth 19Rule of Law 12Public Service 7Science 4The Military 4The Press 4Congress 3Public Health 3The Intelligence Community 3Diplomacy 2Inspectors General & Watchdogs 2Privacy 2The Civil Service 2Allies 1Public Memory 1Public Norms & Decency 1The Constitution 1The Courts 1
Tier 1 carried by a primary record
Corroborated 2+ independent news desks
Every result is verified and democracy-related.
Open an event to see its evidence. Attack and trait tags link to their definitions
Aug 7, 2026 ICE adopted a body-camera policy allowing withheld footage of officer-involved deaths Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The agency's new policy grants its director discretion to block release of footage from fatal encounters, undermining public accountability for use-of-force incidents.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- ICE body camera policy allows agency discretion to withhold footage of officer-involved deaths — ICE announced that every field officer nationwide will have a body camera by the end of September.
- ICE adopts body-camera policy with director discretion to withhold footage — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced deployment of body cameras to officers by end of August 2026, following deaths and serious injuries in encounters with immigration agents.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 81 – 2026-08-01–2026-08-07
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Jul 22, 2026 The U.S. government collected more than $13 billion from Venezuelan oil sales without clear public accounting Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
Unclear reporting on large public funds undermined transparency and made democratic oversight of executive financial decisions harder.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Collects $13 Billion from Venezuelan Oil Sales — The U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
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Jul 19, 2026 The Pentagon disclosed casualties from the Iran conflict only after criticism over earlier silence Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
Delayed casualty disclosure weakened democratic oversight by limiting timely public knowledge of war costs.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Military Casualties in Iran Conflict Disclosed — The U.S.
- Pentagon Transparency Questions — Questions have arisen regarding the Pentagon's transparency about the true scope of U.S.
- Pentagon criticized for lack of transparency on military casualties — The Pentagon faced criticism for not disclosing information about military casualties and damage from Iranian strikes, with reports indicating that the administration has not held a major briefing on the war since
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
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Jul 15, 2026 Todd Blanche withheld Epstein-related documents despite court pressure and transparency demands Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The continued withholding limited public access to records in a high-profile case and raised concerns about selective secrecy at the Justice Department.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Blanche accused of withholding additional Epstein-related information — Todd Blanche is accused of illegally withholding various categories of information related to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Todd Blanche accused of withholding Epstein-related documents — Acting U.S.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche withholds documents despite court ruling — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is under scrutiny for failing to release documents required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 78 – 2026-07-11–2026-07-17
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Jul 14, 2026 The Trump administration turned over previously withheld evidence in fatal-shooting cases to Minnesota investigators Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The delayed disclosure showed how control over records can shape accountability timelines in cases involving state violence.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- Trump administration turns over evidence in fatal shootings — On July 13, 2026, the Trump administration finally provided evidence to Minnesota investigators regarding the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti that occurred in January.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 78 – 2026-07-11–2026-07-17
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Jul 8, 2026 U.S. satellite imagery companies withheld war-damage imagery from parts of the Middle East under reported government pressure Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The withholding restricted public access to evidence about military damage and suggested state influence over private information channels.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US satellite imagery companies withhold damage data under government pressure — US satellite imagery companies, including Planet Labs, have withheld imagery of large swaths of the Middle East, concealing the extent of damage to US military property in the region.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 77 – 2026-07-04–2026-07-10
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Jul 3, 2026 The Department of Justice sought a delay in releasing more Epstein files Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The request postponed public access to records in a case with major public-interest implications, affecting transparency and trust.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DOJ Requests Delay in Releasing Epstein Files — The Department of Justice has requested a two-month delay in releasing additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein in a case involving Meidas host Katie Phang.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 76 – 2026-06-27–2026-07-03
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Jul 2, 2026 A Department of Justice leak revealed a hidden Jack Smith report and a missed Epstein-files deadline Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The leak suggested internal secrecy and record-handling problems in a department whose legitimacy depends on controlled and lawful disclosure.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DOJ Leak Involving Jack Smith Report and Epstein Files Deadline — A leak from the Department of Justice has revealed the existence of a hidden report by Jack Smith, as well as a missed deadline related to the Epstein files.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 76 – 2026-06-27–2026-07-03
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Jun 10, 2026 The Department of Justice failed to release all Epstein files required by law Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The continued withholding of mandated records weakened transparency and fed suspicion that politically sensitive information was being selectively controlled.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Department of Justice Fails to Release Epstein Files — The Department of Justice has not complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandated the release of all files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein by December 19, 2025.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 73 – 2026-06-06–2026-06-12
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Jun 2, 2026 The Pentagon barred journalists from its press office by redesignating the space as a classified facility. Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The restriction reduced independent press access to defense officials and narrowed public visibility into military decision-making.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Pentagon bars journalists from entering its press office — The Pentagon has barred journalists from entering its press office, redesignating it as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility.
- Pentagon Classifies Press Room — The Department of Defense has classified its press room, making it off-limits to journalists.
- Pentagon Designates Press Office as Classified Space — The Pentagon has classified its press office as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), requiring journalists to make appointments to speak with the press secretary.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 72 – 2026-05-30–2026-06-05
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May 20, 2026 The White House and the Office of the Vice President were ordered to comply with the Presidential Records Act and restore lawful record-preservation practices Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The injunction addressed likely failures to preserve official records, protecting future accountability and the public archive.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Preliminary injunction ruling — American Historical Association v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:26-cv-01169 — Judge Bates granted Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, ordering the Executive Office of the President, the White House Office, the Office of the Vice President, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to comply in
- Preliminary injunction ruling — Freedom of the Press Foundation v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:26-cv-01402 — A federal judge has ordered Susie Wiles and the White House to comply with the presidential records law.
- Federal Judge Orders Compliance with Presidential Records Law
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 70 – 2026-05-16–2026-05-22
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May 7, 2026 The U.S. government asked commercial satellite companies to delay or withhold Middle East imagery during military operations Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The request restricted independent visual evidence about war conditions and limited the public's ability to verify official claims.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Government Requests Delay of Satellite Imagery Publication — The U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 68 – 2026-05-02–2026-05-08
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May 6, 2026 Pete Hegseth and Pentagon officials reported Iran war costs to Congress far below internal and outside estimates Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The discrepancy weakened democratic oversight by obscuring the fiscal burden of military action from lawmakers and the public.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Pentagon Understates Iran War Costs to Congress — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Acting Comptroller Jules Hurst informed Congress that the Iran War had cost $25 billion in its first 60 days.
- Underreporting of Iran War Costs — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth informed Congress that the cost of the Iran War for the first 60 days was $25 billion.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 68 – 2026-05-02–2026-05-08
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May 5, 2026 The FDA blocked publication of taxpayer-funded studies that found Covid-19 and shingles vaccines were safe Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The decision withheld evidence relevant to public health and trust, showing state control over information that citizens use to judge policy and risk.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- FDA Blocks Publication of Vaccine Safety Studies — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has blocked the publication of several studies that found Covid-19 and shingles vaccines to be safe.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 68 – 2026-05-02–2026-05-08
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Apr 24, 2026 The CDC blocked publication of a report on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
Withholding scientific findings limited public access to evidence needed for informed health decisions and weakened trust in official information.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- CDC blocks publication of vaccine efficacy report — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) blocked the publication of a report demonstrating the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits among healthy adults
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 66 – 2026-04-18–2026-04-24
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Apr 17, 2026 The National Archives and the EPA published notices on environmental impact statements, FOIA committee renewal, and federal records schedules Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The notices preserved formal channels for public access to records and comment on how government information is managed.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- Environmental Impact Statements Notice by EPA — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice of availability for several Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) filed between April 6 and April 13, 2026.
- FOIA Advisory Committee Charter Renewal and Nominations — The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) announced the renewal of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee's charter for a seventh term.
- National Archives and Records Administration Requests Comments on Records Schedules — The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has published a notice inviting public comments on proposed records schedules from various federal agencies.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
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Apr 16, 2026 OMB Director Russ Vought refused to disclose the cost of the Iran war during testimony Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The refusal limited Congress and the public from assessing the financial burden of military action in real time.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- OMB Director Refuses to Disclose Iran War Costs — OMB Director Russ Vought refused to disclose the costs of the Iran war during congressional testimony, despite being asked directly by Senator Merkley.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
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Apr 14, 2026 Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department had finished releasing Epstein-related files Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The statement intensified a dispute over whether the executive had fully complied with demands for records in a high-profile case.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Acting AG Todd Blanche on Epstein Files — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the Department of Justice has completed releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, despite ongoing demands for transparency.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
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Apr 13, 2026 The Center for Biological Diversity and Democracy Defenders Fund filed FOIA lawsuits against OMB and several agencies Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The suits alleged delayed or denied records access, underscoring barriers to public knowledge about executive programs and decisions.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reports
- Complaint filed — Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Office of Management and Budget — The Center for Biological Diversity filed a complaint against the U.S.
- Complaint filed — Democracy Defenders Fund v. Department of Homeland Security — On April 13, 2026, the Democracy Defenders Fund, a nonpartisan nonprofit, and Colombo Hurd PL, an immigration law firm, filed a complaint in the U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
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Mar 18, 2026 The Department of Justice blocked release of an Epstein-related document Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The withholding deepened concerns that politically sensitive records were being managed to limit public and congressional scrutiny.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DOJ Blocks Release of Epstein-Related Document — A 69-page document detailing money laundering and drug trafficking schemes linked to Jeffrey Epstein is being blocked from release by Todd Blanche, a former Trump attorney now at the DOJ.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 61 – 2026-03-14–2026-03-20
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Mar 10, 2026 The Department of Justice withheld 37 pages of materials related to the same Trump allegation Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
The omission limited public access to records that could bear on accountability for a high-profile allegation.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DOJ Withholds Key Documents on Trump's Alleged Assault — The DOJ has withheld 37 pages of materials related to Trump's alleged sexual assault of a minor, despite the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 60 – 2026-03-07–2026-03-13
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Mar 9, 2026 Reports on the Iran war indicated that U.S. troop injuries had been underreported Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The discrepancy suggested the public and lawmakers were not receiving full information about the human costs of war.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Troop Injuries in Iran War Underreported — Reports indicate that as many as 150 U.S.
- Lawmakers express frustration over Pentagon transparency — Congressional lawmakers expressed frustration that the Pentagon did not proactively announce the revised casualty numbers of U.S.
- Pentagon revises U.S. troop casualty numbers — The Pentagon revised its estimate of U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 60 – 2026-03-07–2026-03-13
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Mar 7, 2026 The Trump administration blocked release of a joint intelligence bulletin warning of heightened Iran-related threats in the United States Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
Holding back a threat bulletin limited information available to local authorities and the public during a national security crisis.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Administration Blocks Intelligence Bulletin on Iran War Threats — The Trump administration blocked a joint intelligence bulletin from the FBI, DHS, and the National Counterterrorism Center that was set to warn state and local authorities about heightened threats tied to the ongoing
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 60 – 2026-03-07–2026-03-13
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Mar 1, 2026 The Pentagon restricted press access and favored a MAGA-aligned press corps Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The access changes narrowed independent scrutiny of military officials and tilted information flow toward favored outlets, weakening public accountability.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Pentagon Restricts Press Access — The Pentagon has restricted press access, credentialing a MAGA media "press corps" and limiting traditional news outlets' participation in briefings.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 59 – 2026-02-28–2026-03-06
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Feb 23, 2026 The Department of Justice withheld, reviewed, restored, or was accused of omitting Epstein-related records involving Donald Trump and other figures Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The shifting handling of the files raised sustained concerns that politically sensitive records were being selectively hidden or managed.
Independently corroborated by6 independent news desks
Associated Press · NPR · PBS · BBC · New York Post · The Washington Times
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DOJ Withholding Epstein Files Related to Trump — An NPR investigation has revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is withholding certain files related to allegations that former President Trump sexually abused a minor, as part of the Epstein case.
- DOJ Withholds Documents Related to Trump and Epstein Allegations — NPR reported that the Department of Justice has withheld documents related to allegations involving Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.
- DOJ Document Review on Epstein Investigation — The Department of Justice announced a review of documents released in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Traits
Chaos is used as a strategy to fragment focus and disable accountabilityCrimes committed by elite donors or allies are concealed, not prosecutedGovernment archives are sealed, sanitized, or destroyedInvestigations into corruption are blocked, buried, or retaliated againstLaw is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its powerTransparency laws are weakened or unenforced
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 58 – 2026-02-21–2026-02-27
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