Story perspectives

FOIA Faces Slow Death Amid Trump Staff Cuts, Redactions

7/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Advocates say the Freedom of Information Act is nearing a ‘slow death’ due to staffing cuts and new access tactics.
Federal agencies have slashed FOIA staff, leaving many requests unanswered for months or years.
A Washington Post investigation linked the staff reductions to last year’s large-scale federal employee purge.
President Donald Trump’s administration is reclassifying completed documents and expanding exemptions, prompting heavy redactions and prolonged legal battles.

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Story summary

Advocates say the Freedom of Information Act is nearing a ‘slow death’ due to staffing cuts and new access tactics.
Federal agencies have slashed FOIA staff, leaving many requests unanswered for months or years.
A Washington Post investigation linked the staff reductions to last year’s large-scale federal employee purge.
President Donald Trump’s administration is reclassifying completed documents and expanding exemptions, prompting heavy redactions and prolonged legal battles.