Department of Homeland Security shuts down disinformation board that drew fire from GOP
The Department of Homeland Security said it has shut down a disinformation board that generated controversy after Republicans denounced it as an abuse of power.
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it has shut down a disinformation working group that generated controversy earlier this year when Republicans denounced it as an effort to curb free speech.
In a statement, DHS said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas decided to terminate the Disinformation Governance Board following a recommendation from the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which provides the DHS secretary with independent advice.
DHS will "continue to address threat streams that undermine the security of our country consistent with the law, while upholding the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties of the American people and promoting transparency in our work," the department's statement said.
McCarthy criticizes DHS disinformation board as 'un-American abuse of power'May 11, 202201:43House Republican leaders called on Congress in May to pass legislation that would shut down the board and block federal funds from being used for similar activities. At the time, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., called the group President Joe Biden's "ministry of truth" and said it was an "un-American abuse of power."
GOP opponents of the board said its purpose was vague and claimed the administration wanted to exploit the office and manipulate information.
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