American Oversight Urges Transparency on 20th Anniversary of Sunshine Week

Today, as the nation marks the 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week — a national initiative dedicated to promoting transparency, open government, and the public’s right to access information — American Oversight interim Executive Director Chioma Chukwu released the following statement:

“As we recognize this milestone in the fight for and celebration of open government, accountability, and the public’s right to know, the 20th annual Sunshine Week should serve as a moment to reflect on our hard-fought progress — a reaffirmation of the principles that sustain a free and informed electorate. Yet, instead of continuing progress, we are today witnessing major setbacks and a relentless effort to keep the public in the dark. The Trump administration is systematically dismantling safeguards that ensure public access to government records and decision-making.

“Far from ensuring transparency, the Trump administration has worked to conceal critical information, distort facts, and sow chaos and confusion while enacting unpopular policies — moves that have real consequences for everyday Americans. These policies have driven up the cost of basic necessities, made health care increasingly unaffordable, and placed the livelihoods of our most vulnerable citizens at risk. When those in power hide the truth, it’s the public who pays the price. A functioning democracy depends on transparency, not secrecy that serves the wealthy at the expense of everyone else.

“This Sunshine Week, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting open government against the nonstop attacks on access to information, redoubling our fight for a transparent government that truly serves all Americans — not just the privileged few — and is built on openness, honesty, and integrity.”