In recent discussions surrounding classified information, the topic of document classification and declassification has become a focal point of public curiosity and debate. Notably, former President Donald Trump claimed he could declassify documents merely by thinking about it—an assertion that oversimplifies a deeply complex and nuanced process. To understand the intricacies of how the U.S. government manages classified information, it is essential to delve inside the vault and explore the mechanisms that govern secrecy and transparency.

The Immensity of Classified Information

The sheer volume of classified information maintained by the U.S. government is staggering, yet its exact size remains unknowable. John Fitzpatrick, who oversaw the flow of classified documents during both the Obama and Trump administrations, recalls that the last reliable tally took place when most classified information existed on paper. Even then, tens of millions of classified documents were produced annually. Since then, the growth of classified material has accelerated, partly due to the rise of classified computer networks that facilitate the creation and distribution of sensitive information.

Classification: A Double-Edged Sword

The increased classification of documents stems largely from heightened concerns over national security, especially after the 9/11 attacks, which triggered a surge in classified materials aimed at protecting the homeland. However, National Intelligence Director Avril Haines has expressed concerns that the classification system itself can undermine national security by restricting information sharing with allies and the public. This paradox underscores the problematic culture of classification, where secrecy is often prioritized not to safeguard critical national security interests but to prevent embarrassment or scrutiny of government actions.

Tom Blanton, director of the National Security Archive, adds perspective from decades of experience filing Freedom of Information Act requests. His organization has accessed tens of millions of pages of declassified documents and unearthed materials revealing government practices, such as the CIA’s handling of waterboarding videotapes. These examples demonstrate how classification can sometimes serve to shield questionable activities from public accountability, rather than genuinely protect state secrets.

Levels and Compartments: Navigating the Classification System

The U.S. classification system emerged from the secretive efforts to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. Lieutenant General Leslie Groves, who headed the Manhattan Project, famously guarded this secret voraciously, even from Congress. Today, the system has expanded into a vast “universe” of secrecy with established tiers:

Confidential: Information that could cause damage to national security if disclosed.
Secret: Information that could cause serious damage.
Top Secret: Information whose unauthorized release could cause exceptionally grave damage.

Beyond these primary levels lies Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), also known as special access programs, which represent the most tightly controlled secrets. Each special access program has its own code name, with strict physical security measures, including Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). SCIFs are secured rooms designed for the highest levels of secrecy, functioning with soundproofing and alarms to protect sensitive discussions and documents. The White House Situation Room is among the most well-known SCIFs.

The President’s Unique Position

The role of the President regarding classified information is unique. The President does not hold a security clearance in the conventional sense but derives authority to access and control classified information from constitutional powers. While the President can order documents to be declassified, this power is not exercised unilaterally or without protocol. Declassification typically involves a formal process, and many documents only become declassified years after a president leaves office and the materials are transferred to presidential libraries.

A stark contrast is evident between President Trump’s declassification of his phone call transcript with Ukraine—a document clearly marked as unclassified—and the numerous classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago by the FBI, which bore intact classification markings and no evidence of formal declassification.

The Slow March Toward Transparency

Efforts to declassify historically significant documents can be slow and strained. For example, Tom Blanton requested the declassification of President George W. Bush’s notes from 2001—a period that might shed light on Russia-U.S. relations and current geopolitical challenges. However, he was informed by the George W. Bush Presidential Library that the review process could take up to 12 years.

This sluggish pace highlights the persistence and dominance of the forces of classification over the forces of declassification. Despite calls for increased transparency and improved information sharing, the culture of secrecy remains entrenched, prioritizing protection of information—often indiscriminately—over public access and accountability.

Conclusion

The classification and declassification of documents remain one of the most enigmatic aspects of national security administration. Far from being a simple matter of presidential decree or fleeting thought, it is a complex system rooted deeply in history, legal authority, institutional culture, and practical concerns. As the balance between secrecy and transparency continues to tip heavily towards classification, the challenge remains to find pathways that protect genuine security interests while enabling openness essential to a democratic society. Inside the vault lies not just secrets, but also the story of how a nation manages the fine line between hiding and revealing its truths.