[VT Washington D.C.] March 20, 2025 – President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating information silos between federal agencies to enhance the government’s ability to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
The order, titled “Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos,” directs agency heads to ensure federal officials designated by the President or agency leaders have full and prompt access to all unclassified agency records, data, software systems, and information technology systems needed to identify and eliminate wasteful practices and fraudulent activities.
Within 30 days of the order, agency heads must rescind or modify all guidance that serves as a barrier to sharing unclassified information between or within agencies. They must also review regulations governing unclassified data access and submit recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget regarding which regulations should be eliminated or modified.
The order specifically mandates that the Secretary of Labor and designees receive “unfettered access to all unemployment data and related payment records,” including those currently available to the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.
Additionally, agency heads must take immediate steps to ensure the federal government has comprehensive access to data from all state programs receiving federal funding, including data maintained in third-party databases.
The order supersedes any prior executive orders and regulations that might impede the sharing of unclassified information as specified in the directive. It also requires agency heads to review classified information policies to determine if any materials are being unnecessarily classified.
The executive order takes effect immediately and will be implemented consistent with applicable law and available appropriations.
