Navy deliberation records on UAP video release disclosed
Internal Navy records revealing extensive deliberations behind the 2020 UAP video publication were made public. The files expose that nearly five hundred pages were withheld to protect decision-making processes.
Background
On July 9, 2025, The Black Vault obtained and published internal documentation regarding the Navy's 2020 UAP video release. The disclosure revealed that 498 pages of legal memoranda and email correspondence were withheld in their entirety under FOIA exemptions (b)(5) and (b)(6).
These exemptions protect deliberative processes and attorney-client communications, indicating significant internal debate preceded the public distribution of the footage. Additionally, seven documents comprising 151 pages had been forwarded to the Office of the Secretary of Defense for further review.
Only 34 pages of email threads were released in part, confirming that technical preparations and security clearances occurred shortly before the April 2020 publication. The records conclusively demonstrate that FOIA pressure, not voluntary transparency, drove the Navy's decision to release the materials.