**Transparency Needed: Trump’s Call for a Major Overhaul of Federal Classification Practices**
In an era where government secrecy often raises more questions than answers, President-elect Donald Trump is advocating for significant reforms to the way federal documents are classified.
As he embarks on his third presidential campaign, Trump has proposed the establishment of a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” This initiative aims to declassify and release all documents pertaining to the Deep State’s alleged spying, censorship, and abuses of power over the last decade. The concept echoes the need for accountability seen in post-communist regimes, reflecting Trump’s understanding that transparency is crucial for restoring trust in government.
Currently, federal agencies burden taxpayers with an astounding annual bill of $18 billion for classifying millions of documents. This excessive over-classification not only limits the sharing of crucial information but also undermines national security, as seen in the intelligence failures leading up to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. American citizens deserve better than a government shrouded in secrecy, especially when the very records that shape our history are kept locked away.
The historic mismanagement of classified documents is evident in the fact that, despite the claims that 99% of files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy have been released, the remaining 1% continues to evade public scrutiny. Such persistent secrecy fuels conspiracy theories and fosters a climate of distrust among the citizenry. Strikingly, this secrecy is not merely limited to contemporary affairs; millions of classified documents from World War II remain undisclosed, reflecting a troubling trend that must change.
Trump's administration had previously made efforts to enhance transparency, with partial releases of JFK files. However, the administrative burden of classification continues to protect powerful interests rather than citizens’ right to know. Addressing this issue, the proposed Classification Reform for Transparency Act seeks to streamline the classification system, asserting that files should be made available to the public unless exceptional circumstances warrant otherwise.
The need for reform is critical as the stakes surrounding national security and historical accountability have never been higher. By recognizing that the default position should be openness rather than secrecy, we can begin to restore faith in our institutions and dismantle the opaque barriers that have come to characterize too much of our federal government.
As President Trump takes the reins again, he has the opportunity to push for these necessary changes. Public trust hinges on transparency, and it is imperative for our leaders to prioritize the accessibility of information that affects the lives of all Americans. The time for action is now, and the goal is clear: to ensure that our government operates with the utmost accountability to its citizens.
Sources:
thefederalist.comcnn.comthegatewaypundit.com