FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2026

Anderson Commends President Trump for Declassifying Records and Advancing Government Transparency

Clifton Council Candidate Says Americans Deserve Accountability, Transparency and Equal Treatment Under the Law

CLIFTON, N.J. — Clifton City Council candidate Tafari K. Anderson today commended President Donald J. Trump for his continued effort to declassify government records and provide the American people greater access to information concerning the conduct of federal law-enforcement and intelligence agencies.

The Trump Administration has released newly declassified records concerning an FBI operation known as “Round River.” According to the White House Government Transparency Task Force, the records concern how federal agencies handled allegations involving the Biden family during the 2020 election cycle.

“President Trump deserves tremendous credit for opening the government’s files and allowing the American people to examine what took place for themselves,” Anderson said. “Government derives its authority from the people, and the people have every right to know how that authority is being exercised.”

Anderson said the release represents a broader principle that should transcend party politics: no government agency should be above public scrutiny.

“Whether someone is a Republican, Democrat or independent, every American should be able to agree that our law-enforcement and intelligence institutions must operate impartially, professionally and within the Constitution,” Anderson said. “When legitimate questions arise about the conduct of government, the answer should be transparency, not secrecy.”

Anderson also praised President Trump’s willingness to declassify records rather than simply asking the public to accept the government’s conclusions.

“Sunlight and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust,” Anderson said. “President Trump is giving Congress, journalists, investigators and ordinary citizens an opportunity to review these records and reach conclusions based upon the evidence. That is how transparent government should work.”

Bringing the Same Standard of Accountability to Clifton

“As a candidate for Clifton City Council, I believe transparency cannot stop in Washington,” Anderson said. “Clifton taxpayers deserve the same fundamental principles from their local government: open records, competitive bidding, transparent contracts, independent financial oversight and elected officials who are willing to answer difficult questions.”

Anderson has called for increased financial transparency in Clifton, including:

• Greater public scrutiny of major municipal contracts.
• Transparent and competitive procurement practices.
• Zero-based budgeting to require departments to justify expenditures.
• Independent financial and efficiency audits.
• Stronger performance standards for taxpayer-funded contracts.
• Increased public access to information before major Council decisions are made.

“Government works best when the public can see what government is doing,” Anderson said. “Accountability should never depend upon which political party happens to be in power.”

Anderson further emphasized that any allegations contained in government records should be fully investigated and evaluated based upon evidence and due process.

“The purpose of transparency is not to prejudge anyone,” Anderson said. “It is to make certain that facts are not hidden, government power is not abused, and every American receives equal treatment under the law.”

Anderson concluded:

“I commend President Trump for continuing to expose government records to public scrutiny and for recognizing a simple truth: the American people are the government’s employers, not its subjects. We deserve to know what our government does in our name.”

About Tafari K. Anderson

Tafari K. Anderson is a technologist, entrepreneur, education leader, and candidate for Clifton City Council. His campaign focuses on fiscal responsibility, property-tax relief, public safety, transparent government, responsible development, strong infrastructure, and practical solutions that put Clifton residents first.

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