Anonymous wrote:Trump is the embodiment of narcissism. He has bragged time after time that he has the power to declassify sua sponte. So why should we naively think that he has not exercised this power — at least in his own mind — through the mere the act of removing them to MAL, as he has said repeatedly? Kash Patel likewise has said as much. Trump keeps repeating this because like any narcissist he can’t help himself and doesn’t believe he did anything wrong by sharing the informatuon once the materials were “declassified.” Just as with his sharing a photo of the Iranian launch site. It’s the ultimate tell. There’s no need to “declassify” something unless you plan to use it for some purpose.
Trump is nothing if not transactional. He only does something if it benefits him in some way? Well, it’s not too hard to envision a number of ways the magicsl power to declassify could be used for his benefit. He didn’t want to relinquish control over these materials even after DOJ came to get them pursuant to a grand jury subpoena and allowed one or more of his lawyers to provide a false certification in violation of 18 USC s. 1001.
Anonymous wrote:He is vilifying NARA.
I mean. Really.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:He is vilifying NARA.
I mean. Really.
It’s the only thing he knows how to do.
Anonymous wrote:He is vilifying NARA.
I mean. Really.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
TBH, I think he's right that the president can do that. But he clearly didn't do that while he was president. There's a reason his lawyers have never asserted that in court - they aren't willing to straight-up lie.
No. A president cannot do that. Classification/Declassification IS a process—not a metaphysical state.
Anonymous wrote:Trump can wake up tomorrow morning and claim to remember he mentally declassified something four years ago. His powers of declassification are infinite and could outlive even him. If Trump dies next week, Kash Patel could come forward and proclaim that Trump had said declassified something prior to 1/21/2021. Or Trump could just leave a backdated note in his desk (of course that would presumptively make it a presidential record).
Anonymous wrote:I can’t wait for the Ken Burns documentary on this presidency. “Fraud: the life and presidency of Donal Trump”.
I hope it’s a 12 part series.
Anonymous wrote:
TBH, I think he's right that the president can do that. But he clearly didn't do that while he was president. There's a reason his lawyers have never asserted that in court - they aren't willing to straight-up lie.