CIA Declassifies 71 President's Daily Briefs Related to 9/11 on 25th Anniversary

Historic Declassification Event

On September 11, 2026, Director John Ratcliffe declassified 71 President's Daily Brief (PDB) products. This action was taken to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks and aligns with President Donald Trump's transparency initiative.

Unprecedented Transparency on 9/11 Intelligence

This collection represents the largest single release of declassified CIA PDB products related to 9/11. It offers transparency into America's sensitive intelligence publications from the years preceding and the day following the attacks. The documents detail the evolving understanding of al-Qa'ida by CIA analysts and efforts to warn about Usama Bin Ladin's attack plotting despite limited information.

Scope of Declassification Efforts

Under President Trump's leadership, the CIA conducted a thorough declassification effort, which is described as unprecedented in size and transparency since the 9/11 Commission's work in 2004. This initiative has resulted in over 100 pages of CIA analysis now publicly available for the first time.

Director's Statement

Director Ratcliffe stated that the release of these 71 declassified products is an act of exceptional transparency, honoring the memory of those lost on 9/11. He emphasized the dedication of CIA officers in securing justice and preventing future harm, also acknowledging those who made sacrifices in the Global War on Terror.