Judge Slams Unlawful Secrecy, Orders Restoration of Public Budget Website

 

Federal Judge Orders Trump-Era Website Restored After Ruling Administration Broke Law

In a significant legal ruling, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan has found that the Trump administration violated federal law by removing a publicly accessible website that tracked how federal funds are distributed across government agencies. The judge has ordered the website to be reinstated, citing congressional mandates for transparency.

The online Public Apportionments Database, previously maintained by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), was quietly taken down earlier this year. Judge Sullivan rejected the administration’s justification—namely, that national security concerns required its removal—stating that Congress had already passed legislation requiring the OMB to “operate and maintain” the system for FY 2023 and all future fiscal years.

“There is nothing unconstitutional about Congress requiring the Executive Branch to inform the public of how it is apportioning the public’s money,” Sullivan wrote. “Defendants are therefore required to stop violating the law.”

The lawsuit was brought forward by two watchdog groups: Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Protect Democracy. Both organizations argued that removing the site deprived them—and the public—of legally guaranteed access to budget transparency.

Sullivan agreed, writing in his ruling that the site’s removal hindered the groups’ ability to monitor government funding, identify potential violations, and promote public accountability.

Protect Democracy’s counsel Cerin Lindgrensavage commented:

“Today’s decision makes clear that the executive branch cannot simply ignore appropriations laws they disagree with on policy grounds... Congress passed a law making sure the American public could see how their taxpayer dollars are being spent.”

The Department of Justice has until Thursday morning to respond, in case it wishes to appeal the ruling.

This case underscores the role of the judiciary in upholding congressional mandates and maintaining oversight of the executive branch—particularly when it comes to public access to government spending information.