Why it matters that Trump is deleting government data

ABC News - Feb 20th, 2025
Open on ABC News

In late January, a significant disruption occurred as many federal websites removed datasets to comply with executive orders from President Donald Trump. This move, compounded by the Department of Government Efficiency's cuts to data collection and analysis contracts, raised alarms about the availability of critical data. The impact was felt across sectors, affecting researchers, businesses, and government agencies that rely on this data for decision-making and program evaluations. Although some datasets were restored, uncertainty about data accessibility remains a pressing concern.

The implications of reduced access to government data are far-reaching. Businesses, which depend on this information for strategic planning and market analysis, may face increased costs and challenges in obtaining alternative data sources. Moreover, the cuts undermine efforts to develop evidence-based policies, potentially leading to ineffective or costly government programs. The situation also risks eroding public trust in data reliability, with potential consequences for economic and public policy decisions. Experts emphasize the critical role of government data in fostering informed decision-making across all levels of society.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive exploration of the impact of executive orders on government data availability, highlighting significant issues related to public health, economic planning, and trust in government. It effectively raises awareness of the potential consequences of data removal, making it a topic of public interest and relevance.

While the article is generally well-written and engaging, it could benefit from more balanced perspective representation and enhanced transparency regarding its sources and methodology. The inclusion of a wider range of viewpoints and more explicit attribution for its claims would strengthen its credibility and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

Overall, the story has the potential to influence public opinion and drive policy discussions, but its impact could be further strengthened by incorporating more actionable insights and interactive elements to enhance reader engagement.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents a range of factual claims about the removal of datasets from federal websites following executive orders by President Trump. It accurately describes the executive orders related to gender recognition and DEI programs, which led to the removal of certain datasets, such as those from the CDC and the Census Bureau. However, the story could benefit from more precise data on the exact number of datasets removed and their specific content.

The article mentions the involvement of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, in slashing government operations. While this claim is significant, it lacks substantial evidence and requires verification. The reported fluctuation in the number of datasets on Data.gov is supported by the narrative, but the reasons for these changes are complex and not solely attributable to the executive orders.

Overall, the article provides a truthful account of the situation but would benefit from additional verification of certain claims, particularly those regarding DOGE's role and the broader economic implications of data removal.

6
Balance

The article predominantly presents the negative impacts of the executive orders and data removal, focusing on the potential harm to public health, economic planning, and trust in government. It effectively highlights the concerns of experts and stakeholders affected by the data disruptions.

However, the story could be more balanced by including perspectives from government officials or supporters of the executive orders, who might argue in favor of the changes or provide context for the decisions. The absence of these viewpoints creates an imbalance, as the narrative leans heavily towards criticism of the Trump administration's actions.

By incorporating a wider range of perspectives, the article could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the motivations behind the data removal and its potential benefits or justifications.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, presenting a coherent narrative about the impact of data removal on various sectors. The language is clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the arguments and understand the implications of the executive orders.

The story effectively uses examples, such as the removal of CDC data and its impact on public health, to illustrate its points. This helps to clarify the potential consequences of data disruptions for both public and private sectors.

While the article is generally clear, it could benefit from more detailed explanations of complex topics, such as the specific mechanisms by which data removal affects economic planning and public policy. Overall, the clarity of the article is strong, but there is room for improvement in explaining technical aspects.

5
Source quality

The article relies on interviews with experts and references to data from government websites to support its claims. While these sources are generally credible, the story would benefit from more direct attribution to specific documents, reports, or official statements from government agencies.

The involvement of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency is a significant claim that lacks substantial sourcing. The article does not provide clear evidence or direct quotes from Musk or DOGE representatives, which weakens the reliability of this aspect of the story.

Overall, the article's credibility would be enhanced by citing a broader range of authoritative sources and providing more explicit attribution for its claims.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative about the impact of executive orders on government data availability, but it lacks detailed transparency regarding its sources and methodology. While it mentions interviews with experts, it does not specify who these experts are or provide their credentials, which would help readers assess the reliability of their statements.

Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect its impartiality. For instance, it could clarify whether the publication or its contributors have any affiliations that might influence their perspective on the Trump administration's policies.

Improving transparency by detailing the sources of information and any potential biases would enhance the story's credibility and allow readers to better understand the basis for its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025-02-05/trumps-data-deletions-pose-a-stark-threat-to-public-health
  2. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/health-info-wiped-from-federal-websites-following-trump-order-targeting-transgender-rights
  3. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/multiple-health-agency-websites-hiv-contraception-comply-executive/story?id=118335484
  4. https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/02/11/government-data-disappearing-trump-utah
  5. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-musk-provide-scant-evidence-claims-fraud/story?id=118751843