Ranking Member Edward J. Markey criticized the Trump administration on March 18 during a Senate Small Business Committee hearing focused on government transparency. The hearing, titled “Sunshine Week: Bringing Secret Government Spending to Light,” addressed concerns about alleged fraud and lack of openness within federal agencies, particularly the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The issue is significant because oversight of government spending helps prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, which can indicate deeper problems in public institutions. Markey said the Trump administration has tried to hide its actions from the public by removing programs, deleting databases, and firing nonpartisan staff members. He said, “The Trump administration has spent the last year operating in the shadows—purging essential programs, disappearing databases, and firing nonpartisan federal staff. It has tried to silence the truth, ban facts, and coerce reporters into staying silent.” Markey added that these actions amount to “a deliberate series of cover-ups that benefit Trump and his MAGA minions—not the American people.”
During the hearing, Dr. Joshua Miller of Public Citizen spoke about how weakening oversight institutions can lead to broader corruption. “Scrutiny of government spending is essential, but not merely to preserve taxpayer dollars. Fraud, waste, and abuse often serve as early warning signs of deeper corruption and institutional failures within government,” Miller said.
Markey highlighted several actions he described as harmful under the Trump administration: awarding a contract for President Trump’s January 6 rally to a company accused of fraud; firing 17 Inspectors General across federal agencies; and allowing DOGE operatives access to sensitive financial information at SBA. In response to these issues, Markey sent letters in August and February demanding investigations into DOGE’s activities at SBA.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee plays an important role in supporting informed decision-making on national fiscal priorities according to its official website. The committee also provides Congress with policy options related to federal budget components according to its official website, contributes through resolutions and reconciliation instructions according to its official website, offers nonpartisan budgetary analysis via oversight of the Congressional Budget Office according to its official website, and was established by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 according to its official website.
Currently chaired by Lindsey Graham with Jeff Merkley as ranking member according to its official website, the committee continues efforts toward greater transparency in government spending.
Looking ahead, Markey’s calls for investigation signal ongoing scrutiny over how federal agencies manage data security and independent oversight.
