> Seems like "national security" has become a phrase that can be used to circumvent many laws

By has become, you mean always has been, right?

I guess I think it used to be more believable that it was used for security, but maybe I wouldn't if I knew better history.

	▲	zmgsabst 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		I’m inclined to believe always — as the case establishing “state secrets” for national security was actually about covering up negligence. https://www.cato.org/commentary/48-crash-us-hid-behind-natio...

BLKNSLVR 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Since 2001 at least.

Since WWII and the bomb. See Bomb Power by Garry Wills

	▲	shimman 2 days ago \| parent [-]
		Behind the Bastards had a great series about this too (it was either that book, or another).