The Trump secrecy assessment
The U.S. classifies far too many secrets, obstructing democracy.
Excessive government secrecy takes many forms, from agencies needlessly claiming documents are classified to ignoring information requests and destroying records — even when the documents show government fraud or illegal conduct. This hinders a free press, effective oversight, and the public’s ability to self govern.
We need to fight for systemic improvements, and we need the press to vigorously question the government every time it says something is classified.
Featured Items
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Public must have access to U.S. report on military aid
Biden administration has no reason to withhold Congressional report on how foreign recipients of U.S. military assistance comply with human rights law
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NJ court to journalist on publication of official’s address: Do you feel lucky, punk?
Decision empowers state officials to try to stop reporting they dislike
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State lawmakers shut the shades during Sunshine Week
During a week celebrating government openness, three states — New Jersey, Colorado, and California — considered or enacted anti-transparency laws
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‘Classified information’ isn’t a magic formula to suspend the First Amendment
The Supreme Court seems to understand the First Amendment limits on government coercion of speech — except when it comes to national security
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Sunshine Week brings focus to public record lawsuits
U.S. Press Freedom Tracker highlights costs of government secrecy to taxpayers
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Journalists must be able to cover America’s incarcerated
Legal brief challenges secrecy around injuries and deaths in San Diego County jails
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Give journalists the floor
Mississippi shouldn’t copy other states by banning journalists from the Senate floor
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Government gag rules muzzle journalists’ sources
Policies prohibiting government employees from speaking to the press violate the First Amendment
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Police secrets have no place in the Sunshine State
Officers who kill can’t keep their names hidden, the state's high court held, but law enforcement isn't done battling against accountability
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Ducking transparency: Open record reforms will undermine reporting
New Jersey lawmakers shouldn’t use a lame-duck session to gut the state’s public records law
