Latest in Classification
The new National Defense Strategy calls for working closely with partners and allies, but the convoluted and slow disclosure process makes cooperation difficult.
The classification status of the documents remains legally relevant, and, in light of new information, any arguments regarding their declassification have been significantly diminished.
Why classification status matters for 18 U.S.C. § 793 and what limitations may exist for a president’s declassification authorities.
It’s not entirely clear whether the former president can use an appeal to presidential authority to declassify any secrets, but in the case of “Restricted Data,” the classification category for nuclear secrets, it seems unlikely.
As president, Trump used the Espionage Act aggressively to prosecute leaks of information to the media. Now, Trump may be caught up in the act himself.
Here’s why the defense asserted by Trump's team—that while in office Trump issued “standing orders” that any “documents removed from the Oval Office and taken to the residence were deemed to be declassified the moment he removed them”—is nothing short of absurd and laughable.
The three scenarios that might play out if Trump moves against Clapper, Comey, McCabe, Brennan, Rice and Hayden.