Neil Gordon
@neilegordon.bsky.social
Senior Researcher at the Project On Government Oversight - @pogo.org
Subscribe to POGO's newsletters and alerts - https://www.pogo.org/newsletters-publications
Subscribe to POGO's newsletters and alerts - https://www.pogo.org/newsletters-publications
Refusing Unlawful Orders: Three key problems Congress must address to ensure U.S. service members understand their duty to refuse unconstitutional or illegal orders www.pogo.org/fact-sheets/...
Fact Sheet: Refusing Unlawful Orders
Congress should understand, protect, and improve service members’ duty to refuse unlawful orders.
www.pogo.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Refusing Unlawful Orders: Three key problems Congress must address to ensure U.S. service members understand their duty to refuse unconstitutional or illegal orders www.pogo.org/fact-sheets/...
Although it's not clear if Trump border czar Tom Homan directly helped his former clients win lucrative federal contracts, ethics experts say even the impression that Homan can influence federal contract awards creates the appearance of corruption www.pogo.org/investigatio...
Border Czar’s Former Clients Cash in on Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
“So we’ve been trying to get access to Tom Homan…”
www.pogo.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Although it's not clear if Trump border czar Tom Homan directly helped his former clients win lucrative federal contracts, ethics experts say even the impression that Homan can influence federal contract awards creates the appearance of corruption www.pogo.org/investigatio...
Several of Trump border czar Tom Homan's former clients have won lucrative immigration-related contracts. www.motherjones.com/politics/202... There's no evidence Homan had any role in those deals, but when reached for comment, one former client had this to say:
December 5, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Several of Trump border czar Tom Homan's former clients have won lucrative immigration-related contracts. www.motherjones.com/politics/202... There's no evidence Homan had any role in those deals, but when reached for comment, one former client had this to say:
Reposted by Neil Gordon
For years we’ve been talking about the serious concerns we have with DHS IG Joseph Cuffari, who has misled Congress and undermined accountability. This reporting is just more evidence that he’s not fit to be an inspector general.
The DHS watchdog enabling corruption
Learn about the documented issues in DHS watchdog corruption that reveal a concerning lack of action on whistleblower disclosures.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:23 PM
For years we’ve been talking about the serious concerns we have with DHS IG Joseph Cuffari, who has misled Congress and undermined accountability. This reporting is just more evidence that he’s not fit to be an inspector general.
Reposted by Neil Gordon
Every dollar on #GivingTuesday makes a difference.
In fact, it makes TWICE the difference, because we have a generous group of donors matching the first $35,000 in donations!
Help us push back against abuse of power and protect democracy ⬇️
In fact, it makes TWICE the difference, because we have a generous group of donors matching the first $35,000 in donations!
Help us push back against abuse of power and protect democracy ⬇️
We need you with us.
Through the end of the year, your donation will go twice as far.
give.pogo.org
December 2, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Every dollar on #GivingTuesday makes a difference.
In fact, it makes TWICE the difference, because we have a generous group of donors matching the first $35,000 in donations!
Help us push back against abuse of power and protect democracy ⬇️
In fact, it makes TWICE the difference, because we have a generous group of donors matching the first $35,000 in donations!
Help us push back against abuse of power and protect democracy ⬇️
Reposted by Neil Gordon
Back in the spring, @ziembavision.bsky.social continued her vital work looking into the conditions in military housing with this incredible investigation ⬇️
Navy Secretary "Appalled" by Barracks Conditions in Guam
Newly obtained photos reveal the “clearly neglected” conditions inside Guam barracks that prompted an uproar by Navy officials.
www.pogo.org
November 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Back in the spring, @ziembavision.bsky.social continued her vital work looking into the conditions in military housing with this incredible investigation ⬇️
A new feature on X that allows users to see what country accounts are based in reveals that many of the site’s top MAGA influencers are actually foreign actors based in Russia, India and Nigeria
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
Top MAGA Influencers Accidentally Unmasked as Foreign Actors
A new feature on Elon Musk’s X has given deeper insight into the online “America First” movement.
www.thedailybeast.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:08 PM
A new feature on X that allows users to see what country accounts are based in reveals that many of the site’s top MAGA influencers are actually foreign actors based in Russia, India and Nigeria
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
www.thedailybeast.com/top-maga-inf...
Pete Hegseth "is removing capable military leaders for political theater rather than actual performance concerns": @pogo.org Senior Defense Policy Analyst Virginia Burger explains why Congress must strengthen oversight of the removal of senior military officers www.pogo.org/analysis/inc...
Increasing Oversight of the Relief of Military Leaders
Congress can stop the politicization of the armed services and reverse the defense secretary’s abuse of power.
www.pogo.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Pete Hegseth "is removing capable military leaders for political theater rather than actual performance concerns": @pogo.org Senior Defense Policy Analyst Virginia Burger explains why Congress must strengthen oversight of the removal of senior military officers www.pogo.org/analysis/inc...
"There is no nuance to it—if any service member receives an order that is unlawful, they must refuse to execute it": Q&A with @pogo.org Senior Defense Policy Analyst and former Marine Captain Virginia Burger
www.pogo.org/analysis/mil...
www.pogo.org/analysis/mil...
Military Oaths and Unlawful Orders
A few important questions and answers from our senior defense policy analyst
www.pogo.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:25 PM
"There is no nuance to it—if any service member receives an order that is unlawful, they must refuse to execute it": Q&A with @pogo.org Senior Defense Policy Analyst and former Marine Captain Virginia Burger
www.pogo.org/analysis/mil...
www.pogo.org/analysis/mil...
In June, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem directed that any DHS spending above $100K requires her sign-off. Since then, @schwellenbach.bsky.social noticed that an unusual number of DHS contracts have been valued at $1 or less below that threshold www.pogo.org/investigatio...
$99,999 DHS Contracts Balloon Under Kristi Noem’s Directive
Secretary Noem requiring her sign-off on spending above $100,000 has reportedly created backlogs of DHS contract awards. Some awards appear to skirt her review.
www.pogo.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:13 PM
In June, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem directed that any DHS spending above $100K requires her sign-off. Since then, @schwellenbach.bsky.social noticed that an unusual number of DHS contracts have been valued at $1 or less below that threshold www.pogo.org/investigatio...
We at @pogo.org condemn President Trump’s calling for the death of the members of Congress who urged the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders www.pogo.org/post/white-h...
White House’s Death Threats Against Lawmakers Are a Dangerous…
We cannot become a country where pushing back on abuses of power causes people to fear for their lives or the lives of their families.
www.pogo.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:39 PM
We at @pogo.org condemn President Trump’s calling for the death of the members of Congress who urged the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders www.pogo.org/post/white-h...
U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has presided over a disproportionate amount of use-of-force incidents, according to an analysis of federal data by @pogo.org and @irworkshop
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
Greg Bovino’s Border Patrol Agents Use Disproportionate Force, Data…
Border Patrol agents in the El Centro Sector have reported using force on other people more than three times as many times as they have faced assaults – a ratio higher than anywhere else in the agency...
www.pogo.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:55 PM
U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has presided over a disproportionate amount of use-of-force incidents, according to an analysis of federal data by @pogo.org and @irworkshop
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
Reposted by Neil Gordon
The 2030 census is fast approaching. Read @pogo.org's new report on why it's important to get an accurate count—TRILLIONS of dollars are at stake
www.pogo.org/reports/cens...
www.pogo.org/reports/cens...
Census Matters: Why an Accurate Count is Essential to Funding Our…
The Census directs trillions of dollars to federal programs across the country. Here's what Census-directed spending looks like in your state.
www.pogo.org
October 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
The 2030 census is fast approaching. Read @pogo.org's new report on why it's important to get an accurate count—TRILLIONS of dollars are at stake
www.pogo.org/reports/cens...
www.pogo.org/reports/cens...
Reposted by Neil Gordon
More honors keep rolling in for #BadWatchdog! The second season of our podcast has won gold at the #DaveyAwards.
Congratulations to @marenmachles.bsky.social and the entire Bad Watchdog team! 🎉
Congratulations to @marenmachles.bsky.social and the entire Bad Watchdog team! 🎉
Winners Gallery - Davey Awards
daveyawards.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
More honors keep rolling in for #BadWatchdog! The second season of our podcast has won gold at the #DaveyAwards.
Congratulations to @marenmachles.bsky.social and the entire Bad Watchdog team! 🎉
Congratulations to @marenmachles.bsky.social and the entire Bad Watchdog team! 🎉
"These restrictions will erode trust at every level."
"The American people will suffer from a dearth of information."
Former USMC press officer Virginia Burger and Pulitzer-winning reporter Mark Thompson evaluate the Pentagon's new press rules
www.pogo.org/analysis/pen...
"The American people will suffer from a dearth of information."
Former USMC press officer Virginia Burger and Pulitzer-winning reporter Mark Thompson evaluate the Pentagon's new press rules
www.pogo.org/analysis/pen...
Pentagon Press Restrictions – Experts Weigh In
A Pulitzer Prize-winning Pentagon reporter and former USMC press officer reflect on the latest restrictions from Hegseth’s DOD.
www.pogo.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:06 PM
"These restrictions will erode trust at every level."
"The American people will suffer from a dearth of information."
Former USMC press officer Virginia Burger and Pulitzer-winning reporter Mark Thompson evaluate the Pentagon's new press rules
www.pogo.org/analysis/pen...
"The American people will suffer from a dearth of information."
Former USMC press officer Virginia Burger and Pulitzer-winning reporter Mark Thompson evaluate the Pentagon's new press rules
www.pogo.org/analysis/pen...
Reposted by Neil Gordon
Big news! @ziembavision.bsky.social won a @milreporters.bsky.social Award for Investigative Reporting, for her incredible series on oversight failures in military housing.
Read this essential investigation:
Read this essential investigation:
“Operation Counter-Mold”: The Hidden Battle in Military Homes
Newly obtained documents reveal the scale of the military’s mold problem amid a gaping hole in federal standards.
www.pogo.org
October 15, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Big news! @ziembavision.bsky.social won a @milreporters.bsky.social Award for Investigative Reporting, for her incredible series on oversight failures in military housing.
Read this essential investigation:
Read this essential investigation:
Reposted by Neil Gordon
THE LATEST FROM POGO'S INVESTIGATIONS DESK:
Earlier this year, DHS handed a massive contract to a relatively new company with no federal contracting experience.
Records obtained by @motherjones.com reveal the involvement of a senior DHS official who once worked with the company’s CEO.
Learn more:
Earlier this year, DHS handed a massive contract to a relatively new company with no federal contracting experience.
Records obtained by @motherjones.com reveal the involvement of a senior DHS official who once worked with the company’s CEO.
Learn more:
Massive DHS "Self-Deportation" Contract Challenged as Secretive and…
The “rushed” deal worth up to $915 million was handed to a firm with “no track record” as a federal contractor, a rival's lawsuit alleges.
www.pogo.org
October 10, 2025 at 1:10 PM
THE LATEST FROM POGO'S INVESTIGATIONS DESK:
Earlier this year, DHS handed a massive contract to a relatively new company with no federal contracting experience.
Records obtained by @motherjones.com reveal the involvement of a senior DHS official who once worked with the company’s CEO.
Learn more:
Earlier this year, DHS handed a massive contract to a relatively new company with no federal contracting experience.
Records obtained by @motherjones.com reveal the involvement of a senior DHS official who once worked with the company’s CEO.
Learn more:
Reposted by Neil Gordon
The Program Integrity Alliance is doing a great public service by restoring access to oversight reports and recommendations, after thousands of oversight websites were shut down earlier this week.
It's essential that these documents remain available! https://programintegrity.org/search/
It's essential that these documents remain available! https://programintegrity.org/search/
Search - Program Integrity Alliance
Explore government data sources with our custom search engine.Learn about our approach and what makes it unique in the FAQ.
programintegrity.org
October 3, 2025 at 3:50 PM
The Program Integrity Alliance is doing a great public service by restoring access to oversight reports and recommendations, after thousands of oversight websites were shut down earlier this week.
It's essential that these documents remain available! https://programintegrity.org/search/
It's essential that these documents remain available! https://programintegrity.org/search/
Reposted by Neil Gordon
friends with large accounts, I'm not going to pester you personally but just generally speaking, I would sure appreciate a signal boost on this thing. We seem to have leveled out, and since this is a one-shot (won't be in bookstores) I'd like to get it out there as much as possible.
Our Long National Nightmare by Tom Tomorrow
Relive the trauma of the last five years through the cartoons of Herblock Award winner and Pulitzer nominee Tom Tomorrow.
www.kickstarter.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:46 PM
friends with large accounts, I'm not going to pester you personally but just generally speaking, I would sure appreciate a signal boost on this thing. We seem to have leveled out, and since this is a one-shot (won't be in bookstores) I'd like to get it out there as much as possible.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing immigration detention without individual suspicion is wrong on the law and the facts — and it's incredibly dangerous to our basic rights. Analysis by @krhawkins.bsky.social www.pogo.org/analysis/sup...
Supreme Court Allows Unconstitutional Racial Profiling
The Supreme Court’s order to allow immigration detentions without individual suspicion is wrong on the law and the facts — and dangerous to us all.
www.pogo.org
September 25, 2025 at 5:33 PM
The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing immigration detention without individual suspicion is wrong on the law and the facts — and it's incredibly dangerous to our basic rights. Analysis by @krhawkins.bsky.social www.pogo.org/analysis/sup...
Ballard Partners, a lobbying shop with deep ties to Trumpworld, is helping surveillance tech firms land lucrative, no-bid contracts in the administration’s immigration crackdown. Investigation by @schwellenbach.bsky.social and @russchoma.bsky.social www.pogo.org/investigatio...
Trump-Tied Lobbyists’ Clients Keep Winning No-Bid ICE Contracts
Ballard Partners is helping companies cash-in on the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
www.pogo.org
September 25, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Ballard Partners, a lobbying shop with deep ties to Trumpworld, is helping surveillance tech firms land lucrative, no-bid contracts in the administration’s immigration crackdown. Investigation by @schwellenbach.bsky.social and @russchoma.bsky.social www.pogo.org/investigatio...
"This is no way to run our government": Lawmakers and a former ethics czar worry that senior White House aide Eric Ueland’s concurrent role leading the Office of Government Ethics will compromise that office’s work
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
White House Official Doubling as Ethics Czar Sparks Concern
Lawmakers and a former head of OGE say an OMB official’s concurrent role leading the Office of Government Ethics will compromise its work.
www.pogo.org
September 22, 2025 at 1:58 PM
"This is no way to run our government": Lawmakers and a former ethics czar worry that senior White House aide Eric Ueland’s concurrent role leading the Office of Government Ethics will compromise that office’s work
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
www.pogo.org/investigatio...
Reposted by Neil Gordon
Tune in: Today, POGO's Joe Spielberger is testifying before the House Oversight Committee on the importance of whistleblower protections. The hearing is set to start at 10AM ET.
Restoring Public Trust Through UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection - United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
oversight.house.gov
September 9, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Tune in: Today, POGO's Joe Spielberger is testifying before the House Oversight Committee on the importance of whistleblower protections. The hearing is set to start at 10AM ET.