Reform Government Secrecy

- The Latest
  Regular reporting on government secrecy, surveillance, and the rights of reporters and whistleblowers.
  - The Classifieds
  - News Releases
- Technology
  Working open source software products to protect journalists, newsrooms, and their sources.
  - SecureDrop
  - Dangerzone
- U.S. Press Freedom Tracker
  A database of press freedom incidents in the United States.
  - Data Visualizations
  - Explore the Database
- Digital Security Education
  Digital security trainings and resources for journalists.
  - Request a Training
  - Guides & Resources
- About Us
  Protecting and defending press freedom when we need it the most.
- Our Team
  - Staff & Contributors
  - Board of Directors
- Transparency
  - Reports & Financials
  - Announcements
- Get in Touch
  - Jobs & Internships
  - Contact Us
Take action
Donate

A pile of classified redacted documents

AI-generated image

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.

Tell Congress to support the Presidential Records Act

First Name * Last Name
Email Address *
Street Address * Zip Code * Enter a five digit US ZIP code

Edit this message so that it is unique to you: Dear [Senator/Representative], As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to ISSUE A STATEMENT explicitly reaffirming that the Presidential Records Act is constitutional and that any claims to the contrary are not lawful and threaten our democracy. This is necessary in response to the Department of Justice’s recent memo claiming the PRA is unconstitutional, arguing that a president’s records are private property. This is wrong and flips 50 years of transparency on its head. The law has required every president since Ronald Reagan to turn their records over to the government at the end of their term. This ensures that the “American story” belongs to the public, not just those who inhabit the White House. This transparency provided vital insights into Democratic and Republican administrations alike, on topics ranging from the Obama administration’s Iran nuclear deal and the George W. Bush administration’s response to Hurricane Katrina. If this DOJ memo stands, every future president, Democrat or Republican, will operate in total darkness. This is a bipartisan emergency. I am asking you to PLEASE SPEAK OUT and use your influence to safeguard the PRA. Your efforts to ensure our government remains transparent will have major implications for the public’s faith in our democracy. Thank you. URLs are not allowed in this message.

* Required. We will not share your information with third parties. Learn more

Something went wrong processing this request. Please try again later.

Opt in to email updates from Freedom of the Press Foundation

Something went wrong and your email updates subscription could not be processed. Please visit our signup page and try again.

Thank you for urging lawmakers to stand against dangerous secrecy.

Donate

Share this message on social media:
Join me in urging Congress to defend the Presidential Records Act, thus ensuring that the American story belongs to the public — not whoever is in the White House.

Featured Items

The enduring press freedom legacy of Max Frankel
Secrecy•Article
The death of the New York Times journalist and editor is a reminder that the fight against excessive government secrecy must live on.

Published March 24, 2025 Caitlin Vogus
Was chaotic JFK declassification marred by National Archives firings?
Secrecy•Newsletter
Plus: Wired drops FOIA reporting paywall. Will other media outlets follow?

Published March 23, 2025 Lauren Harper
Reddit asks, we answer: Q&A on DOGE, Musk, and government secrecy
FOIA•Article
Despite a judge ruling DOGE is “likely covered” by FOIA, it’s not a guarantee its records will soon see the light of day

Published March 20, 2025 Freedom of the Press Foundation
Why will it take DOGE three years to respond to a simple FOIA?
FOIA•Article
Five important questions to ask about DOGE’s FOIA future

Published March 17, 2025 Lauren Harper
It’s Marco Rubio’s party, and he’ll burn documents if he wants to
FOIA•Newsletter
Plus: A judge ruled DOGE is likely subject to FOIA. But that doesn’t mean we’re guaranteed to see its records.

Published March 16, 2025 Lauren Harper
The Pentagon Papers
Secrecy•Article
How a leak revealed that lies were the foundation of U.S. policy on Vietnam

Published March 13, 2025 Lauren Harper
USAID keeping reports secret out of fear of Trump retaliation
Secrecy•Newsletter
Plus: The government’s excuse for keeping a climate report hidden is easily disproved

Published March 9, 2025 Lauren Harper
Capricious government secrecy could threaten crop production
FOIA•Newsletter
Plus: Trump administration attacks the advisory committees that keep the government honest

Published March 2, 2025 Lauren Harper
Press pool takeover drowns First Amendment
Trump•Newsletter
Plus: Why Senate must not confirm Ed Martin

Published Feb. 28, 2025 Freedom of the Press Foundation
DOGE tries to expand use of pseudo-secrets
FOIA•Article
Plus: Two upcoming secrecy fights and how to prepare for them

Published Feb. 25, 2025 Lauren Harper