The Black Vault Amasses Over 3 Million Declassified Documents, Praised as Crucial for Transparency

John Greenewald Jr.'s The Black Vault, a digital archive dedicated to government transparency, has accumulated over three million pages of declassified U.S. government documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The extensive work of Greenewald, who began his efforts at age 15, recently earned high praise from Brian Roemmele, who described him as "a national treasure" and an "expert we should be listening to" on social media. Roemmele's tweet underscored the critical importance of such archives, lamenting that "It is a library of Alexandria burning every week" in reference to the potential loss of historical information.

The Black Vault serves as a massive civilian repository of federal records, as noted by The Washington Post, covering subjects ranging from CIA programs like MKUltra and Project Blue Book UFO investigations to more recent disclosures, such as documents related to President Biden's dog, Commander. Greenewald's apolitical approach focuses solely on government transparency, making previously inaccessible information available to the public. His dedication has led to over 8,000 FOIA requests filed over more than two decades.

Despite the critical role played by initiatives like The Black Vault, the process of obtaining government records through FOIA faces significant challenges. Federal agencies reported over 200,000 backlogged requests in fiscal year 2022, often citing increased volume and complexity. Furthermore, agencies can withhold information based on nine exemptions, including national security concerns, leading to frequent legal disputes. Greenewald himself often bears the financial burden of these requests, as he does not receive journalism waivers.

Roemmele's commentary highlights a broader concern about societal memory and access to information. By characterizing contemporary society as the "Amnesia Generation" and the ongoing loss of insights as a "library of Alexandria burning," he emphasizes the urgent need for persistent efforts like Greenewald's to preserve and make accessible government records. The Black Vault's continuous growth ensures that a vast array of historical and contemporary government activities remains available for public scrutiny and understanding.