An Open Letter to Current Federal National Security Employees Regarding Classification

June 30, 2026

Many federal employees understand that they have a duty to protect properly classified information. Fewer understand that they also have a duty to challenge information that is improperly classified.

Founded in 2016, The Steady State is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization of more than 420 former senior national security professionals. Our membership includes former officials from the CIA, FBI, Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. Drawing on deep expertise across national security disciplines, including intelligence, diplomacy, military affairs, and law, we advocate for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the preservation of America’s national security institutions. We write this Open Letter to our colleagues who remain in service to our nation.

Recent months have seen numerous allegations that claims of “national security” and “classification” are being used not to protect legitimate national security interests, but to suppress dissent, intimidate government employees, target journalists, conceal embarrassing information, and justify investigations that may have little or nothing to do with genuine national security concerns. Whether those allegations are true in any particular case is not the point. The point is that federal employees are not expected to accept classification decisions blindly.

Classification is governed by Executive Order 13526, That Order does not merely authorize challenges to questionable classification decisions; it affirmatively expects them. Section 1.8(a) provides:

Authorized holders of information who, in good faith, believe that its classification status is improper are encouraged and expected to challenge the classification status of the information in accordance with agency procedures established under paragraph (b) of this section.

The obligation to challenge improper classification is especially important because Executive Order 13526 expressly recognizes that classification authority can be abused. Section 1.7 prohibits classifying, maintaining the classification of, or failing to declassify information in order to conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error; prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or agency; restrain competition; or delay the release of information that does not require protection in the interest of national security.

In other words, the Executive Order does not merely permit employees to question suspicious classification decisions; it identifies specific forms of abuse to which employees should be alert. When an employee encounters a classification decision that appears designed to shield misconduct, avoid accountability, suppress lawful criticism, or protect officials from embarrassment rather than protect national security, the Order contemplates that the employee will raise that concern through established challenge procedures. The integrity of the classification system depends upon officials who are willing to exercise that responsibility.

The Order further requires agencies to establish procedures ensuring that:

• individuals are not subject to retribution for bringing such challenges;

• an opportunity is provided for review by an impartial official or panel; and

• individuals are advised of their right to appeal agency decisions.

This language is not accidental. It reflects a fundamental principle of our classification system: information may be classified only when classification is necessary to protect the national security of the United States.

The national security workforce occupies a unique position of trust. Every person entrusted with classified information is also entrusted with protecting the integrity of the classification system itself. That responsibility includes questioning classification decisions that appear improper, excessive, politically motivated, or inconsistent with the standards established by law.

Federal employees should remember that loyalty is owed not to any administration, political party, or individual officeholder. It is owed to the Constitution and to the laws of the United States.

When classification is used properly, it protects the nation. When it is misused, it damages public trust, undermines accountability, and weakens the very institutions it purports to defend.

The Executive Order governing classification recognizes this reality. That is why it expects authorized holders of classified information to challenge improper classification.

In those moments, your obligation is clear. Use the tools the law gave you, insist on lawful classification, and remember that your highest duty is to the Constitution and law, and the people it protects.