The Daily Scoop Podcast
Episode: Trump administration withdraws U.S. from global open government initiative
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Billy Mitchell explores two major developments in U.S. federal government policy: the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Open Government Partnership (OGP), an organization aimed at increasing governmental transparency, and Senate Democrats’ move to scrutinize the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) expanding surveillance and data practices. The episode provides insights into the administration’s rationale, the response from legislators, and implications for government transparency, civil liberties, and public trust.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Withdrawal from the Open Government Partnership

• Background (00:38):
  The U.S., a founding member of OGP in 2011, has officially withdrawn.
• Notification (00:54):
  Edward Forst, head of the General Services Administration, notified OGP leadership of the decision earlier in the month.
• Administration’s Rationale (01:05):
  • Forst’s letter cited that U.S. participation has become "at best ineffective and at worst detrimental" to fundamental American principles.
  • The letter accuses OGP of "erod[ing] U.S. national sovereignty" and pushes back against what it claims are "divisive ideological agendas."
• Notable Quote (01:25)
  • Edward Forst (via letter):

    "Racial identity politics, anti-police bias, LGBTQ advocacy, feminism, and climate alarmism have increasingly dominated OGP’s policy agenda. These divisive agendas, driven by extremely ideological cliques, have destroyed the ability of OGP to credibly operate as a voice for transparency."

• Context and Implications (02:07):
  • The rhetoric echoes previous Trump administration efforts: removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, terminating related programs/data, and rolling back transparency mandates.
  • The withdrawal follows OGP criticisms that the administration weakened U.S. commitments to open government, citing repealed executive orders around equity, transparency, and advisory committees.

2. Senate Scrutiny of DHS Surveillance and Data Practices

• Senate Democrats’ Request (02:47):
  • Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have petitioned the DHS Inspector General (Joseph Kefari) to review the department's data collection, storage, and use.
• Concerns Outlined (03:02):
  • Potential misuse of sensitive personal data.
  • Circumvention of civil liberty protections, especially those under the Fourth Amendment.
• Notable Quote (03:18):
  • Senators Warner and Kaine (via letter):

    "We write to you to express our concern that the Department of Homeland Security is collecting sensitive personal data that can be used to circumvent civil liberty protections, including those guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment."

• Scope of Investigation (03:28):
  • Audit of DHS immigration procurement activities for potential violations of federal law or privacy regulations.
• Broader Context (03:52):
  • Lawmakers have been closely monitoring ICE and DHS’s use of technology, electronic data, and AI, as well as the expansion of their authorities via amended regulations.
  • Legislation has been introduced to limit biometric data collection and address technical/constitutional concerns.
• Recent Developments (04:25):
  • The request follows DHS’s release of its 2025 AI use case inventory, which highlighted law enforcement’s use of AI to process massive data collections.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On OGP Withdrawal (01:25)
  Edward Forst, GSA Head (letter excerpt):

  "These divisive agendas, driven by extremely ideological cliques, have destroyed the ability of OGP to credibly operate as a voice for transparency."

• On DHS Data Practices (03:18)
  Senators Warner & Kaine (letter excerpt):

  "...collecting sensitive personal data that can be used to circumvent civil liberty protections, including those guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment."

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:38 – 02:28: U.S. withdrawal from OGP: context, administration’s reasoning, and OGP’s response
• 02:47 – 04:44: Senate concern over DHS data practices; scope of investigation; legislative actions on surveillance and biometrics; use of AI at DHS

Tone & Original Language

Throughout the episode, Billy Mitchell maintains a clear, formal, and informative tone, emphasizing the significance of policy shifts and their broader implications for U.S. government transparency and citizen protections.

For more in-depth coverage of federal technology and policy news, visit fedscoop.com.