Judge Slaps Down OMB Secrecy: What It Means for Federal Employees
federal employment government transparency legal rights for feds mindfulness at work omb apportionment Jul 22, 2025Russell Vought, former OMB Director and self-styled “trauma king,” once said the quiet part out loud: that his goal was to make civil servants afraid to come to work. But last week, a federal judge pushed back against one of his more damaging legacies—a covert move to conceal budget apportionments from public view.
This matters. Because when agencies obscure how taxpayer money is being divided, they also create the perfect fog for slow-walking or sabotaging critical programs—from veteran care to environmental enforcement.
Why the Apportionment Website Matters
Back in March, OMB yanked its public apportionment website, claiming the budget data was too sensitive to release. That meant agencies—and by extension, employees like you—had little visibility into whether program funds were truly flowing or quietly choked off. The legal claim? That the President could keep those documents secret.
But Judge Emmet Sullivan called that theory “extravagant and unsupported.” On July 21, he ordered OMB to resume posting apportionments within two business days, just as the law requires under 2 U.S.C. § 6311. He gave them until 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 24 to comply or risk escalation to the appellate courts.
What This Means for You
If you're a GS-12 analyst waiting on funding to approve contracts, or a VA nurse watching budget delays squeeze patient services, this ruling is a direct win. You’re entitled to know whether resources are being deliberately bottlenecked.
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about restoring the basic functioning of government. When apportionments disappear, oversight vanishes, too. Judge Sullivan’s ruling reaffirms that transparency is not optional. It's the law.
A Culture of Fear—and the Legal System’s Response
The broader issue here isn’t just secrecy; it’s the attempt to govern by fear. Vought openly said his aim was to create psychological trauma among career civil servants. The good news? Courts are beginning to say no.
The even better news? So can you.
What You Can Do Now
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Track compliance. Bookmark the OMB apportionment page and note whether data is posted after the Thursday deadline.
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Talk to your union or legal counsel if your program’s funds remain in limbo without explanation.
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Stay informed. Our Power Hub offers updates on legal rulings, whistleblower rights, and agency funding practices.
You don’t need to carry this alone. Awareness is your defense—and legal action, when necessary, is your shield.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
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