If there were any hopes that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would, after having been accused of Hatch Act violations this summer, tone down his political activities as the election drew nearer, his recent pledge to release the emails of former Secretary Hillary Clinton has put those expectations to rest.

New documents obtained by American Oversight reveal more information about the extent to which White House officials and Trump administration political appointees interfered with press materials and communications at scientific agencies.

Federal agencies have indicated they are attempting to delay the release of records related to White House efforts to control information — for up to two years.

Joint Status Report filed by American Oversight and the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in American Oversight’s lawsuit seeking email communications between agency and White House officials involved in the federal government’s coronavirus response, and any directives, orders, or guidance from HHS or the White House regarding public communications or press strategy.

With three lawsuits and more than 400 public records requests filed, American Oversight intends to get to the bottom of what has been happening behind the scenes in the Trump administration’s mismanaged pandemic response.

American Oversight's lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for email communications between agency and White House officials involved in the federal government’s coronavirus response, and any directives, orders, or guidance from HHS or the White House regarding public communications or press strategy.

FOIA to multiple agencies seeking any directives, orders, decision memoranda, or guidance from the White House regarding public statements, public appearances, or communications or press strategy on the coronavirus, COVID-19.