October 31, 2024
A recent report from government watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT) is challenging the Biden-Harris administration’s self-described “most ethical and transparent” track record, labeling the claim a “myth.” The 26-page report, issued Wednesday, examines alleged ethics violations across multiple executive branch agencies, highlighting a pattern of incidents PPT argues undermines the administration’s stated commitment to transparency.
“From its onset, the Biden-Harris administration promised to ‘bring transparency and truth back to government,’ per then-White House press secretary Jen Psaki,” the report states. “Psaki also claimed that President Joe Biden ‘is committed to ensuring we have the most ethically vigorous administration in history.’ However, the administration and its executive branch agencies have often failed to live up to these high ideals, and the myth of a scandal-free administration is just that: a myth.”
The watchdog’s report details alleged ethical concerns spanning the White House, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Energy (DOE), and other federal departments. Specific points of concern include accusations against White House officials for Hatch Act violations and conflicts of interest.
White House Ethics Allegations
In the White House itself, PPT has raised questions about the conduct of the Office of White House Counsel (WHCO) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), including concerns that White House lawyers were acting as President Biden’s personal attorneys amid a federal investigation into his handling of classified documents. The report further alleges Hatch Act violations by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates. It also flags former Press Secretary Jen Psaki for a potential conflict of interest as she negotiated a high-profile television role while serving in government.
“No Agency Has Lost So Much Credibility” as HHS
Protect the Public’s Trust claims that the Department of Health and Human Services has faced significant ethical lapses, with its response to the COVID-19 pandemic singled out for disregarding “ethical and scientific integrity principles.” The report asserts that HHS’s policies “governing nearly every aspect of Americans’ lives” amid the pandemic further eroded public trust, leading PPT to file several complaints against department appointees.
Interior and Energy Departments Under Scrutiny
The report also critiques the Department of the Interior, stating it “has a record of cutting ethical corners in favor of special interest policies.” Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) reportedly displays its own questionable ethics practices, with PPT describing DOE’s record as “giving DOI a run for its money” in ethics concerns.
Additional Concerns Across Federal Agencies
Protect the Public’s Trust points to broader ethical issues beyond President Biden’s family, including confirmed Hatch Act violations, conflicts of interest, and what it describes as the “revolving door” between influential government positions and private advocacy groups. Michael Chamberlain, Director of PPT, argued that the administration’s self-styled ethical superiority does not align with the group’s findings.
“While others have found similar Biden-Harris breaches, they are not the groups and media outlets that were so enthusiastic about uncovering problems in the last administration,” Chamberlain told Fox News Digital. “Just because the public hasn’t heard much about these in the legacy media, we caution everyone to beware of future attempts to paint this as a ‘scandal-free’ administration.”
Ongoing Investigations and Congressional Oversight
According to the report, several complaints filed by PPT have prompted investigations by Inspectors General, the Office of Special Counsel, and other federal oversight bodies. The report concludes by stating that their ongoing efforts to spotlight ethical lapses are essential in countering any future portrayals of the administration as scandal-free.
“As is often the case when it comes to government, sunlight is the best disinfectant,” the report states. “The light we have shone on these incidents may be useful when revisionist historians begin twisting their tales in the coming years, to help expose the myth of a ‘scandal-free’ administration as just that: a myth.”
The Biden administration has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to ethical conduct. In contrast, this new report from PPT raises questions about the execution of that commitment in various departments. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response.
