Congress’ investigative powers face existential threat
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 declassification task force may be more bark than bite
Plus: Why the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety reports should be public
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First Amendment law legend: ‘Fight back’
Plus: Hypocrisy as deep as the Gulf of Mexico
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National Archives — and government transparency — under threat
Groups protest unwarranted firing of head archivist
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Here’s how you can help save government data
Plus: Why should the public have to wait until 2034 to file FOIA requests with DOGE?
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Let all journalists cover Utah statehouse
The Utah legislature is retaliating against one journalist and kicking all independent reporters out of the statehouse in the process, a new lawsuit claims
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Reform the Presidential Records Act — or risk losing DOGE records
Trump and Musk are trying to use the Presidential Records Act’s giant loopholes to hide DOGE’s records
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USAID’s future is in doubt. The status of its records shouldn’t be
How DOGE handles agency records will show its commitment to (or disavowal of) government transparency rules, with implications for every federal office it accesses
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My Groundhog Day prediction: More secrecy
Disappearing government data, transparency double-standards — another busy week tracking government secrecy
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With inspectors general under threat, Espionage Act charges may soar
The IG crisis should place renewed attention on reforming the Espionage Act to protect journalists and whistleblowers from abuse
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Health agencies silenced, DOGE transparency in doubt, and more
Plus: President Trump’s first week back in office was a busy one, with many orders worsening government secrecy
