Judicial Watch filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with the Department of Defense in March 2004 to obtain documents concerning the Empower Peace website and the Rendon Group. It has been reported that the Pentagon has made use of the Rendon Group to influence public opinion. The Smith-Mundt Act of 1948 (22 U.S.C. ' 1461), forbids the domestic dissemination of U.S. government-authored or developed propaganda or “official news” deliberately designed to influence public opinion or policy.
Case Status
Summary Judgment Motions fully briefed as of 10/31/05; awaiting ruling.
Court Documents
- Original Complaint - After nearly a year, the Department of Defense failed to fully respond to Judicial Watch's FOIA request.
Documents Uncovered
- U.S. Navy Contract Documents - Details government payments to a public relations firm for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a public referendum.
Press Releases