The Census Bureau's Data Is Under Siege by a Political Think Tank

The Growing Influence of AFPI at the Census Bureau

Over the past few months, I've been tracking the increasing influence of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) within the U.S. Census Bureau—a situation that raises serious concerns about the integrity and independence of one of our nation's most vital data collection agencies.

The Census Bureau is not just a statistical office; it's the backbone of democratic representation, from apportioning seats in Congress to allocating billions in federal funding.

In August, the bureau released a report titled “Noncitizen Voting in the 2020 Election: A Beginning Analysis,” which claimed thousands of noncitizens voted illegally. WIRED's investigation revealed that the report was based on flawed methodology and that two of its authors worked for AFPI—a right-wing think tank with deep ties to the Trump administration.

What I found next was more troubling. Through documents and sources, I've confirmed that AFPI has detailed at least eight members to the Census Bureau under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA), a program that allows for temporary staffing from non-governmental institutions. These individuals are not just consultants—they have access to sensitive Census data, including information about millions of Americans.

Who Are These Individuals?

The list of AFPI personnel at the bureau includes researchers, analysts, and even senior staff. Max Kossek, a researcher at AFPI's Office for Fiscal and Regulatory Analysis, is listed as part of the Census project team. Ryan Montgomery, who identifies himself now as a research engineer with AFPI, also holds a key role in the same effort.

More concerning still is Thomas Lane, who served on the Trump campaign and was later subpoenaed by the Department of Justice for his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. In 2020, Lane was captured on video passing out documents that allegedly made fake electors “duly elected.” He's now working with the Census Bureau through AFPI.

There are also individuals like David Peterson and Jackson Mejia—both from AFPI—who are listed as researchers with advanced expertise in computing and economics. Their presence raises significant questions about how their work may be shaping the Census's output.

The Risk to Democratic Processes

This situation is not just about one report or a few individuals—it's a fundamental challenge to the trustworthiness of the data that guides our democracy. As midterms approach, we are seeing an increasing number of efforts to cast doubt on Census results, especially in how they're used for redistricting and federal funding.

John Abowd, former chief scientist at the Census Bureau, pointed out that having so many employees from one organization is unusual. He stressed that this kind of access can create a risk of political influence—something the Census has historically worked to avoid.

I'm especially concerned about how the current leadership of the bureau seems to be allowing such deep involvement by partisan actors. The project they're supporting, led by Michael Lachanski, a political appointee with ties to conservative think tanks, is explicitly designed to answer questions of interest to political leaders, not to ensure data accuracy or public trust.

Why This Matters for Americans

The Census Bureau plays a critical role in how we understand our country—its population dynamics, its demographics, and its needs. When that data is shaped by political agendas, the consequences ripple through every aspect of governance.

Consider this: If the Census becomes a tool for undermining election integrity or diluting minority voting power, then we're not just talking about numbers—we're talking about the very fabric of American democracy.

The bureau's Data Stewardship Executive Policy charter was recently revised to remove protections against political interference. That change alone signals a shift in priorities that undermines public confidence in how the Census operates.

Looking Forward: A Call for Accountability

This situation isn't just about politics—it's about transparency, accountability, and maintaining the integrity of government institutions. I've seen too many examples where political influence has corrupted data integrity, particularly during high-stakes moments like elections.

We need a clear mandate to ensure that no single ideology or political group can dictate what data is collected or how it's interpreted. This requires oversight from Congress and civil servants who are committed to the public good, not just political victories.

As midterms loom, I believe the American people deserve to know that their Census data will remain impartial and accurate—regardless of who's in power. We must guard against these kinds of infiltrations because they erode not only trust but also the foundational principles upon which our democracy stands.