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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New bipartisan Senate bill seeks to reduce overclassification
A World War I-era document containing a secret ink recipe that the CIA deemed worthy of classification for nearly 100 years
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Gag rules stifle financial journalism
The government cannot silence its critics to save itself from embarrassment
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Copyright and public records don’t mix
A new court decision using copyright law to deny release of public records from the Covenant School shooting investigation harms the public’s right to know
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Revisiting the undercover Alito recording, post-Trump v. United States
The secret taping, condemned by journalistic ethicists, is actually a prime example of when surreptitious reporting is justified
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States keep public in dark with anti-transparency reforms
Laws limiting public records access make it harder for journalists to hold executive branch officials accountable
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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
