9/11 Declassification (E.O. 14040)

Summary

Requires the government to review and release secret papers about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to the public.

What problem does this solve?

For two decades, many Americans, especially the families of 9/11 victims, have sought a full accounting of the attacks, but key government documents remained secret. This order directs agencies to review these documents and release them to the public, increasing transparency unless there is a very strong reason to keep them classified.

What does this order do?

Mandates declassification reviews

Requires the Attorney General and other agencies to review specific documents related to the 9/11 attacks for potential release to the public. This includes FBI investigations, interview reports, and other key records.

Sets standards for keeping information secret

States that information can only remain classified if its release would harm national security. It also allows for information to be released if the public's interest in seeing it is greater than the potential harm.

Requires public release of documents

Directs the Attorney General to make all newly declassified information available to the public after the reviews are complete.

Establishes a policy of transparency

Declares that the American people deserve a fuller picture of the 9/11 attacks and that information should not be kept secret when the public's right to know outweighs national security risks.

Reports results to the President and Congress

Requires the Attorney General to report the results of the declassification reviews to the President and congressional intelligence committees, including reasons for any decision not to release certain information.

Who does this affect?

Families of 9/11 victims and survivors
U.S. government intelligence and law enforcement agencies
The American public

What is the real world impact?

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Increases government transparency

Provides the American public, particularly the families of 9/11 victims, with a more complete picture of what the government knows about the terrorist attacks. This action aims to build public trust by releasing information that is no longer a threat to national security.

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Responds to public and legal pressure

Acts on long-standing requests from victims' families and their legal teams who have been fighting for the release of these documents for use in lawsuits against those they believe are responsible for the attacks. The order helps address these demands for accountability.

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Maintains national security control

Allows the government to decide what information is ultimately released. While promoting transparency, it gives agencies the final say on whether disclosing certain information would cause too much damage to national security, which could be criticized as a loophole to withhold sensitive details.

When does this start?

This order sets several deadlines for government agencies to review and release different sets of documents over 180 days.

Initial FBI document review

By September 11, 2021, a review must be completed for a specific FBI electronic communication from April 4, 2016.

Review of court and investigation records

Within 60 days of the order (by November 2, 2021), reviews must be finished for all other records withheld in a 9/11 court case and a 2021 FBI communication.

Review of PENTTBOM investigation records

Within 120 days of the order (by January 1, 2022), reviews must be completed for records from the FBI's initial 9/11 investigation (PENTTBOM) that mention specific individuals.

Review of all other related FBI records

Within 180 days of the order (by March 2, 2022), reviews must be finished for all records from any other FBI investigation into the same individuals.