FPF takes State Department to court over Öztürk secrecy

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.
The first Trump administration flouted transparency norms, preservation laws, and attempts at congressional oversight. How might a second Trump term continue this trend?
This multipart series assesses the secrecy risks of both presidential candidates, the systemic problems that will challenge either presidential administration, and the ways the public can most effectively fight for transparency.
A records request can be legitimate even if its goal is unpopular
Reports on the journalist’s murder are still secret. Their release would place democratic principles over a relationship with an authoritarian ruler
A fitting birthday present for President Carter would be the full declassifying of the CIA’s records on the 1978 Camp David Accords
It’s too hard for former officials to write about their work. A new directive tries to help, but it won’t solve the real problem: The government thinks too many things are secret
It’s hurricane season, but the government is placing ‘trade secrets’ above public safety
Letting the public see the actual documents would strengthen Biden administration's declassification efforts
Interview with first Ellsberg Chair Lauren Harper highlights overclassification, whistleblowers, and national security reporting
Release would help counter growing evidence that the agency has become too powerful for oversight