Overview
- The National Archives posted the first tranche after President Donald Trump ordered all Earhart records declassified, with DNI Tulsi Gabbard saying additional files will be released on a rolling basis.
- The cache includes the Coast Guard cutter Itasca’s radio log recording Earhart’s last known message around 8:43 a.m. on July 2, 1937: "We are on the line 157 337 wl rept msg we wl rept..."
- The U.S. Navy’s 1937 report details an approximately 16‑day search over hundreds of thousands of square miles that found no confirmed aircraft remains, noting observations at islands including Gardner (Nikumaroro).
- Weather and aircraft assessments describe poor visibility near Howland and performance issues that increased fuel consumption, with the documents estimating burn about 20% higher than planned.
- Historians say much of the material had been available previously, and ongoing field work continues, with a planned Nikumaroro “Taraia Object” expedition delayed to next year pending permits and seasonal conditions.