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Chaos at US Interior Department exposed in Trump-era records

Federal workers faced impossible choices as Trump's policies blurred the line between science and politics. The Sierra Club's findings reveal a system in disarray.

The image shows a green book with a white label on it, which reads "California Dept of Fish and...
The image shows a green book with a white label on it, which reads "California Dept of Fish and Game Biennial Report 1946-1948".

Chaos at US Interior Department exposed in Trump-era records

Newly released records show confusion inside the US Interior Department during Donald Trump's presidency. Officials struggled with conflicting instructions on how to discuss topics like climate change and Native American history. The documents, obtained by the Sierra Club, reveal a chaotic approach to managing public information.

The Fish and Wildlife Service faced unclear and shifting rules from the Interior Department. Employees were often unsure what they could say about sensitive subjects. Some guidance appeared to restrict discussions that might contradict the administration's policies.

Career public servants found themselves in a difficult spot. They had to decide whether sharing accurate information about public lands would break executive orders. The lack of consistency left many unsure how to proceed.

The records highlight attempts to rewrite how history and science were presented. Topics such as climate change and Indigenous heritage became particularly contentious. Officials received mixed signals, making their jobs harder.

The documents suggest that Trump-era policies created uncertainty for federal workers. Agencies like the Fish and Wildlife Service had to navigate unclear rules while carrying out their duties. The Sierra Club's findings point to broader challenges in how public information was managed during that time.

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