RIGHT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate the Foundation for Government Accountability Right-biased based on its conservative policy positions and advocacy focus, and Mixed for factual reporting due to one-sided perspectives and its reliance on funders tied to climate change–skeptical organizations.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT (6.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (5.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 2011 by President and CEO Tarren Bragdon, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a right-leaning think tank based in Naples, Florida. Originally focused on Florida state policy, the group expanded nationwide, promoting reforms in welfare, unemployment, workforce, election integrity, and health care. FGA is a member of the State Policy Network (SPN), a coalition of state-based free-market think tanks. FGA also operates the Opportunity Solutions Project, a 501(c)(4) advocacy arm.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
FGA is directed by Bragdon and governed by a board that includes former ExxonMobil president Stephen Pryor and Bridgett Wagner of The Heritage Foundation. Major donors identified through IRS filings include the Ed Uihlein Family Foundation ($17.85M, 2014–21), DonorsTrust ($15.99M, 2014–23), Vanguard Charitable Endowment ($10.6M, 2015–22), Sarah Scaife Foundation ($4.8M, 2016–23), and Searle Freedom Trust ($3.95M, 2013–23). Many of these funders, such as the Scaife and Searle trusts, have a history of supporting organizations promoting climate change skepticism.
Analysis / Bias
The FGA publishes research, opinion pieces, and policy recommendations that favor limited government, deregulation, and the development of fossil fuels. Their climate content frames the Biden administration’s energy policies as a “radical climate agenda,” defends fossil fuels as essential, and opposes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, arguing ESG is “virtue signaling” and harmful to the economy. This aligns with positions of known climate change–skeptical think tanks.
FGA also advocates for eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education, framing them as ineffective and politically divisive, and supports regulatory rollbacks such as the REINS Act. Their pro-Trump regulatory analysis praises President Trump’s deregulation as a path to prosperity.
Language often contains emotionally loaded terms (“radical remake of America,” “outrageous climate agenda”), and their policy recommendations generally align with conservative economic and social priorities. While they cite sources and data, FGA’s reports are advocacy-driven and lack opposing perspectives, leading to a Mixed factual rating.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the last 5 years. Several prior.
Overall, we rate the Foundation for Government Accountability Right-biased based on its conservative policy positions and advocacy focus, and Mixed for factual reporting due to one-sided perspectives and its reliance on funders tied to climate change–skeptical organizations. (D. Van Zandt 8/9/2025)
Source: https://thefga.org/
Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources