Presidents have an unusual degree of authority to declassify documents. However, there’s legal precedent countering former President Donald Trump’s assertion on Fox News that he can “declassify just by saying it's declassified.”
: "There doesn't have to be a process, as I understand it. You know, there's — different people say different things, but as I understand there doesn't have to be. If you're the president of the United States, you can declassify just by saying it's declassified. Even by thinking about it, because you're sending it to Mar-a-Lago or to wherever you're sending it. And there doesn't have to be a process. There can be a process, but there doesn't have to be.
We found at least three earlier court cases that back up the notion that in-brain declassification is unlikely to pass judicial muster. Each of these three cases involved instances in which Trump or the White House issued something tangible, such as a tweet or a news release, that discussed declassification. By contrast, Trump told Hannity that he could essentially declassify in his head without any documentation at all — an action even less tangible that what multiple courts have already rejected.
It’s impossible to know how any court will rule in the future, but legal experts said these three cases collectively provide a strong argument against the powers Trump claimed to Hannity. unusual degree of authorityThe president, as commander in chief, is ultimately responsible for classification and declassification.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former President Obama speaks at L'ATTITUDE conference downtownThe former president began his remarks shortly after 11 a.m. and took part in a Q&A with L’ATTITUDE co-founder Gary Acosta.
Read more »
Trump signals affinity with QAnon followers in social media post, at ralliesOn Thursday, former President Trump reposted a video originally shared by a QAnon follower that integrated Trump into imagery affiliated with the conspiracy movement.
Read more »
Hillary Clinton likens Trump supporters to NazisHillary Clinton offered a sharp rebuke of former President Trump’s most recent campaign event in Ohio.
Read more »
Liz Cheney says she'll leave GOP if Trump is party's 2024 nomineeRep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) pledged to renounce the GOP and leave the party altogether if former President Donald Trump is the Republican nominee for president in 2024.
Read more »
Schiff warns: Trump could be 'more dangerous' than previously thoughtRep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said former President Donald Trump is more dangerous than previously thought if he truly believes a president can declassify documents with a mere thought.
Read more »