State treasurer’s office under scrutiny for use of Signal messaging app
Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ’ office is under scrutiny following revelations that his chief of staff, Jordan Harvey, used the encrypted messaging app Signal to coordinate with national groups opposing environmental, social and governance investing. The communications, which included discussions about the state’s anti-ESG policies, have raised concerns about transparency and compliance with open records laws.
The use of Signal, known for its end-to-end encryption and auto-deletion features (read: modern disappearing ink), has prompted questions about the preservation of public records. Critics argue that such communication methods may circumvent Oklahoma’s Open Records Act, potentially hindering public access to government decision-making processes.
This development adds to existing legal challenges facing the Treasurer’s Office. In October 2024, FOIA Professional Services LLC filed a lawsuit alleging that the office withheld or destroyed documents related to the state’s Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022. The law, which restricts state contracts with firms deemed to boycott fossil fuels, has been controversial and was permanently blocked by an Oklahoma County District Court judge in July 2024.
The lawsuit also highlights concerns about using personal email accounts for official business. Harvey reportedly received ESG-related documents on her personal Gmail account, which were later forwarded to her official state email. Such practices may violate the Oklahoma Records Management Act, which mandates the proper retention of public records.
The Attorney General’s Office has taken over the defense of the anti-ESG law, removing Treasurer Russ from any decision-making role in the lawsuit. As the legal proceedings continue, the use of encrypted messaging and personal emails by public officials remains a focal point in the debate over transparency and accountability in Oklahoma’s government.
Oklahoma Watch (OklahomaWatch.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.
