Downsizing the Federal Government

These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate Downsizing the Federal Government Right-Center biased based on the endorsement of libertarian-leaning policy and High for factual reporting based on proper sourcing and a clean fact check record.

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Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

According to their about page: “Downsizing the Federal Government is a project of the Cato Institute. Scholars at Cato believe that cutting the federal budget would enhance personal freedom, increase prosperity, and leave a positive fiscal legacy to the next generation. This website is designed to help policymakers and the public understand where federal spending goes and how to reform each government department.”

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

Downsizing the Federal Government is owned and published by the Libertarian-leaning Cato Institute. The Cato Institute is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit think tank. According to their about page, “Cato receives approximately 80 percent of its funding through tax-deductible contributions from individuals, many of whom are responding to informative, direct mail solicitations and program updates.” Cato offers an annual report that shows the percentages of money received and their IRS 990 form. The Cato Institute is funded by various organizations, including the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Charles Koch Foundation, and Sarah Scaife Foundation. They further state, “The creation of this website was made possible by the generosity of the Opportunity Foundation, the Searle Freedom Trust, and the Woodford Family Foundation.”

Analysis / Bias

In review, Downsizing the Federal Government is a libertarian blog that heavily sources the Cato Institute. There is minimal use of loaded words in headlines and articles such as this: Federal Spending Rescission. Other sources used on this blog are the Wall Street Journal and the Stimson Center. A factual search reveals they have not failed any fact checks. Like Cato, Downsizing the Federal Government recognizes anthropogenic climate change but offers the right-wing perspective of free-market solutions.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate Downsizing the Federal Government Right-Center biased based on the endorsement of libertarian-leaning policy and High for factual reporting based on proper sourcing and a clean fact check record. (D. Van Zandt 6/2/2018) Updated (01/31/2022)

Source: https://www.downsizinggovernment.org