Trump May Declassify Saudi 9/11 Records After Families’ Appeals
Trump says he will consider declassifying classified 9/11 records on Saudi Arabia after families’ appeals.
Why it matters: Why it matters: The potential release of these records could affect litigation strategies against Saudi Arabia and shift legal risks for corporations dealing with foreign sovereign liability under anti-terrorism laws.
- On September 11, 2023, Trump announced he would consider declassifying Saudi-related 9/11 documents during the 25th anniversary event.
- Terry Strada, widow of a 9/11 victim, criticized U.S. administrations for shielding Saudi Arabia from accountability.
- In August 2023, a federal judge allowed a lawsuit against Saudi Arabia alleging support for 9/11 hijackers to proceed to trial.
- The 2016 Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) enables U.S. courts to hear terrorism-related civil suits against foreign governments.
During the 25th anniversary commemoration of the September 11 attacks in New York City, former President Donald Trump said he would consider declassifying documents related to Saudi Arabia’s alleged involvement, responding to direct appeals from victims’ families. At the event, Trump stated, “I will look into it very strongly.” Terry Strada’s Twitter confirmed the context of his remarks.
Terry Strada, widow of a 9/11 victim and prominent advocate, called out previous U.S. administrations for shielding Saudi Arabia. She said, “For 25 years, administration after administration...chose to protect the Saudis instead of standing with the 9/11 families.” Her statements were reported by The New York Times.
The legal backdrop includes a significant ruling in August 2023, when a U.S. federal judge permitted a terrorism-related lawsuit against Saudi Arabia to move forward. The suit, involving about 10,000 plaintiffs including victims’ families and insurers, alleges that Saudi government employees knowingly assisted al-Qaida hijackers and financed terrorist groups through charities. Court documents show the lawsuit’s progress toward trial.
The authority enabling U.S. courts to hear such claims arises from the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), enacted in 2016 despite President Obama’s veto. JASTA allows civil suits against foreign states for terrorism support — a legal path previously unavailable. The JASTA text details this.
The possible declassification of classified Saudi-linked 9/11 records could impact both the judicial process and the public’s understanding of Saudi involvement. Legal teams working on related cases should monitor this, as newly released documents may reshape evidentiary approaches and alter U.S.-Saudi diplomatic dynamics affecting compliance and risk assessment in defense contracting or foreign relations.
Details on what material might be released or the timing remain unclear. Observers should watch for federal disclosures or further judicial developments that could influence high-stakes terrorism litigation, especially in how courts handle foreign sovereign immunity and evidence.
By the numbers:
- Approximately 10,000 plaintiffs in the Saudi Arabia 9/11 lawsuit — victims’ families and insurers
- 2016 — Year Congress passed JASTA, enabling terrorism-related foreign sovereign suits
- August 2023 — Federal judge ruled lawsuit against Saudi Arabia may proceed to trial
What's next: Legal professionals should anticipate potential disclosures following any formal declassification order or related government announcements.