Overview
Main Core is the code name of an alleged American governmental database that reportedly contains personal and financial data on millions of United States citizens believed to be potential threats to national security. The database's existence was first publicly asserted by investigative journalists in 2008, based on sources from former U.S. government officials with knowledge of intelligence operations.
According to these sources, Main Core is designed to be used in the event of a national catastrophe, enabling the military and federal authorities to quickly identify and locate individuals who might be subject to special attention - whether that means surveillance, questioning, or detention.
The database's name reportedly derives from the fact that it contains "copies of the 'main core' or essence of each item of intelligence information on Americans produced by the FBI and the other agencies of the U.S. intelligence community."
"One former intelligence official described Main Core as 'an emergency internal security database system' designed for use by the military in the event of a national catastrophe, a## declared state of emergency, or a suspension of the Constitution."
- Tim Shorrock, Salon, July 2008
Important Note
The U.S. government has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of Main Core. The information presented here is based on investigative journalism and anonymous sources. Unlike programs such as MKUltra or ECHELON, no documents have been declassified confirming Main Core's existence.
Alleged Origins
According to investigative reports, Main Core has its origins in the Reagan administration's continuity of government planning.
Reagan's Continuity of Government Directive
President Reagan signs National Security Decision Directive 55 (NSDD-55) "Enduring National Leadership," establishing new continuity of government protocols in case of nuclear war or national emergency.
FEMA Begins Database Development
The Federal Emergency Management Agency allegedly begins developing a database of Americans who might need to be detained or monitored during a national emergency.
Rex 84 Exercise
Readiness Exercise 1984 (Rex 84) tests plans for suspending the Constitution and detaining large numbers of people. Oliver North reportedly involved in planning.
Iran-Contra Hearings
During Iran-Contra hearings, Rep. Jack Brooks attempts to question Oliver North about continuity of government plans. Sen. Daniel Inouye cuts off questioning, calling it "highly sensitive and classified."
Post-9/11 Expansion
Following 9/11, Main Core allegedly expands dramatically with data from NSA surveillance programs, incorporating information from PRISM, phone metadata collection, and other sources.
First Public Disclosure
Journalist Christopher Ketcham publishes first article about Main Core in Radar Magazine, citing multiple anonymous former government sources.
Salon Confirmation
Investigative journalist Tim Shorrock publishes additional confirmation of Main Core in Salon, based on his own sources.
Alleged Data Collection
According to reports from anonymous intelligence officials, Main Core collects and correlates data from multiple sources:
Data Sources
- NSA Intercepts: Email, phone calls, and internet activity collected through surveillance programs
- Financial Records: Bank transactions, credit card purchases, investment activity
- FBI Files: Investigative records, watch lists, and informant reports
- CIA Intelligence: Foreign connections, travel records, overseas contacts
- DHS Records: Travel manifests, border crossings, visa applications
- Commercial Data: Purchases from data brokers, social media activity
Who Is Listed?
Reports suggest individuals may be added to Main Core based on various criteria including:
- Membership in organizations deemed suspicious
- Political activities or associations
- International travel patterns or foreign contacts
- Financial transactions flagged as unusual
- Communications mentioning certain keywords
- Gun ownership or purchases
- Participation in protests or demonstrations
Estimated Size
As of 2008, anonymous sources claimed approximately 8 million Americans were listed in Main Core as possible threats. Post-Snowden revelations about the scale of NSA data collection suggest this number could have grown significantly.
Concerns & Implications
If Main Core exists as described, it raises profound constitutional and civil liberties concerns.
Constitutional Issues
- Due Process: Citizens added to the database without notice, hearing, or ability to challenge their inclusion
- Fourth Amendment: Mass collection of personal data without individualized warrants
- First Amendment: Chilling effect on free speech and political activity
- Habeas Corpus: Plans for detention without trial during emergencies
Potential for Abuse
- Political opponents could be targeted as "threats"
- Journalists and whistleblowers could be flagged for surveillance
- Peaceful protesters could be designated as potential detainees
- Unclear criteria means almost anyone could potentially be included
- No oversight or accountability for who gets added
Historical Precedents
The United States has a documented history of maintaining lists for detention or surveillance of citizens:
- Japanese American Internment (1942): Over 120,000 people detained based on ethnicity
- FBI's COINTELPRO: Surveillance and harassment of civil rights and anti-war activists
- McCarthy Era Lists: Blacklisting of suspected communists
- NSA Watch Lists: Pre-9/11 surveillance revealed by whistleblowers
Emergency Powers
During a declared national emergency, the president has access to over 100 statutory powers that suspend normal constitutional protections. Main Core allegedly provides the target list for these emergency measures.
Evidence & Sources
Unlike other programs covered on this site, Main Core has not been confirmed through declassified documents or official acknowledgment. Evidence comes primarily from investigative journalism.
"The Last Roundup" - Radar Magazine (May 2008)
Christopher Ketcham's original investigation citing multiple former government officials describing Main Core's existence and purpose.
Archived Article"Exposing Bush's Historic Abuse of Power" - Salon (July 2008)
Tim Shorrock's investigation confirming Main Core through independent sources with intelligence community access.
Salon ArchivesIran-Contra Hearing Transcript (1987)
Exchange between Rep. Jack Brooks and Lt. Col. Oliver North, with Sen. Inouye shutting down questions about continuity of government plans.
Congressional RecordNSPD-51/HSPD-20 (2007)
National Security Presidential Directive establishing COG policies. Full text classified, summary available.
White House Archives