Fact Check: An internal memo from the Department of the Interior states that all public-facing content will be reviewed for inappropriate disparagement of Americans and for content unrelated to the beauty of natural features.

Fact Check: Internal Memo from the Department of the Interior

What We Know

The claim in question states that an internal memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) mandates that all public-facing content be reviewed for inappropriate disparagement of Americans and for content unrelated to the beauty of natural features. This assertion appears to stem from a recent incident involving a memo that was mistakenly posted online, which has drawn significant attention.

According to a statement by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, the DOI mistakenly posted an internal memo regarding recommendations for the Cook Inlet Oil and Gas Lease Sale 258. In his remarks, he expressed concern over the memo's contents, which he interpreted as prioritizing climate agendas over the needs of Alaskans and Americans in general (source-2). However, the specific language regarding the review of public-facing content for disparagement of Americans was not explicitly mentioned in this context.

The DOI maintains an Electronic Library of the Interior Policies that includes various departmental manuals and guidance documents. However, there is no direct evidence from this library that confirms the existence of a memo with the specific stipulations described in the claim.

Analysis

The claim lacks direct evidence from credible sources confirming that such a memo exists or that it contains the specific directives as stated. While Senator Manchin's reaction to the DOI memo highlights concerns regarding the department's internal communications, it does not provide confirmation of the claim about content review policies. The memo he referred to was related to energy policy and climate change, not specifically about public-facing content or disparagement of Americans.

The DOI's Electronic Library of the Interior Policies serves as a repository for various departmental documents, but without a specific document cited that aligns with the claim, it remains unverified. Furthermore, the context provided by Senator Manchin suggests a broader concern about the DOI's direction rather than a specific policy on content review.

Given the lack of corroborating evidence and the nature of the sources involved, the reliability of the claim is questionable. The DOI's internal policies and communications are often complex and subject to interpretation, which can lead to misunderstandings or misrepresentations in public discourse.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim regarding an internal memo from the Department of the Interior stating that all public-facing content will be reviewed for inappropriate disparagement of Americans lacks direct evidence and credible sources to substantiate it. While there are concerns raised about DOI communications, particularly in the context of energy policy, the specific details of the claim remain unverified. Further investigation into the DOI's internal policies and any relevant memos would be necessary to draw a definitive conclusion.

Sources

1. Electronic Library of the Interior Policies - U.S. Department of the Interior
2. Manchin Reacts to DOI Memo on Cook Inlet Lease Sale
3. National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws
4. Reports | Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of the Interior
5. Public Comment Review | U.S. Department of the Interior
6. PDF 2022 Department of the Interior Plain Writing Act Compliance Report
7. U.S. Department of the Interior
8. PDF INSPECTOR GENERAL'S STATEMENT - Oversight.gov