WASHINGTON: Donald Trump’s administration moved quickly to muzzle federal government workers, apparently keen to keep the army of bureaucrats in line with the White House message.
While Trump has sought to project power from the White House, allies fanned out across government departments to impose his writ.
As Trump was sworn into office Friday, staff at the Interior Department were ordered to cease regular communications with outside groups, according to a memo obtained by AFP.
The one-page document required officials to refer any correspondence from Congress, governors, environmental groups or industry organizations to staff at the Office of the Executive Secretariat (OES).
“All incoming congressional and gubernatorial correspondence as well as correspondence from Indian or Alaska tribal leaders and leaders from national level environment/recreational and industry organizations must be forwarded to OES prior to responding, regardless of addressee or signature level,” the document states.
“No correspondence should be cleared to go to Congress or to any Governor until it has been reviewed by the Acting Chief of Staff and/or Senior White House Advisor.”
Certain meetings, regulations and environmental notices were also to be reported to senior staff.
The Interior Department manages most federally controlled land, relations with tribal authorities and controls access to some natural resources.
