The U.S. government has ceased the sharing of air quality data from its embassies worldwide due to funding constraints. The Department stated that it had to shut down the underlying network responsible for data sharing, although embassies have been instructed to continue monitoring air quality. There is a possibility that data sharing could resume if funding is restored in the future. This decision has drawn criticism, with some commenters suggesting it undermines U.S. global leadership and public services. This situation is reminiscent of what is termed the 'Washington Monument syndrome', where visibly popular government services are cut to exert pressure on public and legislative response regarding budget cuts.