A black budget is secret government spending on classified programs. The public does not see these budgets, which are purposely hidden from view. Black budgets pay for sensitive projects like spy and military operations. The details are closely guarded secrets. Even most members of Congress who approve the budgets do not know the specifics.
Why hide the budget?
The government keeps black budgets secret for national security reasons. If enemies knew the details, it could put the country at risk. But critics argue the secrecy goes too far. They say it allows wasteful spending and abuse of power.
How big are black budgets?
It's hard to know the full size of black budgets. Estimates suggest they total over $50 billion annually in the U.S. This funds the CIA, NSA, and secret military research. The actual amount is likely much higher. Many think it's over $100 billion annually when you count all the hidden costs.
History of black budgets
Black budgets have a long history in the U.S. and globally. Governments have long funded clandestine activities in secret. In the U.S., it expanded greatly after World War II.
Creation of the CIA
The National Security Act created the CIA in 1947. Its budget was classified from the very start. As the Cold War began, more money flowed into black projects, including anything tied to spying or secret weapons.
Growth of black budgets
As decades passed, black budgets kept growing. They funded a lot more than just the CIA. Many military branches got in on the action. What started as a way to hide spy operations became a much broader phenomenon. By the 1980s, black budgets were funding advanced research projects.
Controversy around black budgets
The secrecy of black budgets is very controversial. There are good arguments on both sides. Supporters say they are vital for national security. But critics see them as undemocratic and prone to abuse.
Hiding budgets from the public
Some say the public has a right to know how tax dollars are spent. Keeping budgets secret seems to go against democratic values. It creates a system where elected officials aren't accountable, and there is less motivation to cut waste or question dubious projects.
Potential for corruption
Others argue that black budgets make corruption too easy. Average budgets face public scrutiny, and any questionable spending is noticed. However, black projects can use the money however they want without oversight. There have been many past scandals over improper use of funds.
Oversight and transparency
There are also significant concerns about the lack of oversight. Even Congress is kept in the dark on the details. Average budgets are debated openly and voted upon, but black budgets only get a topline number without specifics. There is little accountability for how money is used.
Unacknowledged Special Access Programs (USAPs)
The most secret parts of black budgets go into USAPs, the highest level of classified projects. Even their names are considered national security secrets. The public only knows about a handful that have leaked out. Most remain entirely hidden from view.
Waived SAPs
At the top of the black budget hierarchy are waived SAPs. These have the strictest security and are exempt from most reporting requirements to Congress. Only eight members of Congress are told they exist at all, with no details. Many refer to these as the "black hole" where money disappears.
Rumors of exotic tech research
Many believe USAPs are where the most exotic research happens. There are frequent rumors of sci-fi-sounding technology being developed, such as antigravity, cloaking devices, psychic spying, and more. Officials always deny these rumors. With the level of secrecy involved, the truth is impossible to determine.
The black budget underworld
USAPs form a sort of dark underworld in the black budget realm. If standard black budgets are shadowy, USAPs are pitch black. There are indeed many shocking secrets buried in their vaults. The public may never know the truth without significant leaks or policy changes. It's a world we pay for but are not allowed to see.
The future of black budgets
As long as nations spy and wage wars, black budgets will exist. Countries see them as essential for security in a dangerous world. The U.S. spends far the most, but many nations have their versions. It seems likely the practice will only keep growing over time.
Calls for reform
Many have called for reforming the black budget system. Critics want better oversight and more transparency. Even just a bit more disclosure would be an improvement, they argue. But the intelligence world strongly resists any efforts at outside control.
New frontiers
Meanwhile, black budgets continue to grow into new areas. Cyberwarfare and space are two big focuses today. Many expect they will eventually expand to AI and other emerging tech. As the world changes, the black budget underworld adapts right along with it.
