NSA FOIA Appeal Filed Concerning Records Relating to Dr. Bradley Foerster and Russia-Gate
On July 9, 2026, Dr. Bradley Foerster submitted an administrative appeal following the National Security Agency's July 2, 2026 response to a Freedom of Information Act request seeking records concerning Dr. Foerster relating to allegations involving Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential Election. The appeal challenges the Agency's interpretation of the request and asks the Appeal Authority to determine whether it may be processed, in whole or in part, consistent with the Freedom of Information Act.
The underlying July 1, 2026 FOIA request sought records sufficient to determine whether the National Security Agency received, reviewed, transmitted, disseminated, or otherwise maintained information concerning Dr. Foerster relating to allegations concerning Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential Election. The request did not seek the disclosure of intelligence sources, intelligence methods, or the substantive contents of intelligence reports.
In its July 2, 2026 response, the National Security Agency stated that it interpreted the request as seeking intelligence records concerning Dr. Foerster and therefore neither confirmed nor denied the existence of responsive records pursuant to FOIA Exemptions 1 and 3. The Agency further stated that this is its standard response when it reasonably believes a request seeks intelligence records concerning an individual and advised that a new request could be submitted if the original request had been misinterpreted.
The appeal argues that the Agency's interpretation is broader than the language of the original request and asks the Appeal Authority to determine whether the request may be processed, in whole or in part, including the release of any reasonably segregable non-exempt material if responsive administrative or other non-operational records exist.
Supporting Exhibits
Exhibit 1 – July 1, 2026 Freedom of Information Act Request to the National Security Agency
The July 1, 2026 FOIA request sought records sufficient to determine whether the National Security Agency received, reviewed, transmitted, disseminated, or otherwise maintained information concerning Dr. Bradley Foerster relating to allegations concerning Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential Election. The request also sought records identifying any review, dissemination, or other agency action and requested that responsive records be provided electronically.
Exhibit 2 – July 2, 2026 National Security Agency Response
The National Security Agency responded by stating that it interpreted the request as seeking intelligence records concerning Dr. Foerster and issued a response neither confirming nor denying the existence of responsive records pursuant to FOIA Exemptions 1 and 3. The Agency advised that Dr. Foerster could either file an administrative appeal of the determination or submit a new request if the original request had been misinterpreted.
Exhibit 3 – July 9, 2026 Administrative Appeal
The administrative appeal requests review of the Agency's interpretation of the July 1, 2026 FOIA request and requests that the Appeal Authority determine whether the request may be processed, in whole or in part, consistent with the Freedom of Information Act.
Core Archive Documents
From Paul Cronin's "This Will Ruin All Our Lives" to "I Will"
Case Model
Case Index
Federal Record Summary
Timeline: Town and Gown (2014–2026)
Selected Reporting
- From Mentor to Federal Investigation: The Dr. Eva Feldman Documentary Chronology
- July 26 Documentary Notice and Documentary Chronology Transmitted to City Attorney Kaur, Mayor Taylor, City Administrator Dohoney, and Police Chief Anderson Concerning Ann Arbor Police Department Investigations, Related City Proceedings, and Federal Investigations Involving Drs. Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou (2015–2026).
- July 7 Documentary Notice to University of Michigan Vice President and General Counsel Timothy G. Lynch Concerning University and Law Enforcement Investigations Involving Drs. Bradley Foerster and Myria Petrou (2015–2026). July 8 UM Announces Lynch Leaving.
- From One FBI File to a Legislative Proposal: Peter and Maria Foerster Ask Senator Van Hollen's Office and Congressman Jamie Raskin to Consider a Uniform Administrative Framework for Federal Investigations
- The Institutional Fingerprint of the FBI Russia-Gate File: Referrals, Consults, Intelligence Reports, and the June 16, 2026 FBI Production
- Dr. Bradley Foerster and Dr. Myria Petrou Document More Than Two Years of Unsuccessful Efforts to Trace Bank of Ann Arbor's $1.4 Million Sheriff's Sale Credit Bid (June 2026)
Brad Foerster, MD PhD
Brad Foerster is a FOIA advocate documenting requests, transparency disputes, and accountability investigations involving public agencies, universities, police oversight, and Russia-Gate related inquiries. His work compiles original documents, timelines, and analysis of public records and institutional responses. Brad is also a board-certified radiologist, author of Town & Gown, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Brad lives in Potomac, Maryland with his family and is active in the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.