What’s Up, Docs?

Three’s a Trend: Last week, the Justice Dept recovered another batch of classified documents. This time, at former VP Mike Pence’s home. For those counting, it’s the third case in recent months (see: former President Trump and President Biden). Which has people asking, ‘Who doesn’t have classified docs?’

The Story

Every year, the gov classifies a wide range of documents, including paper printouts, emails, maps, databases, photos, and videos. These can have different classifications, depending on potential damage to national security — from “confidential” (the lowest level) to “top secret” (the highest level). Now, in the wake of docs seemingly showing up all over the place, lawmakers and officials are scrutinizing the country’s classification system — with some reportedly calling it “a defective process” and an “embarrassment.”

Go on.

Turns out, mishandling classified materials (aka “classified spillage”) can be quite common. In fact, the FBI director recently called it a “regular part” of counterintelligence work. Part of the problem may be the sheer volume of documents marked as classified — estimated to be 50 million per year. And according to some, many of those don't actually warrant the designation. Think: Because staffers are unlikely to get in trouble for over-classifying something, but they could for under-classifying. The result? It's hard to keep track of everything, and accidental mishandlings get more and more likely to occur. Especially for presidents and other senior officials, who constantly receive both classified and unclassified docs at their desks, creating the possibility of inadvertently mixing them up. Or during presidential transitions, when there’s a last-minute frenzy to separate and pack materials. Also not helping: While White House staffers receive some training on handling classified docs, they typically don’t have the same experience as career intelligence officers.

theSkimm

Given the gov’s slow approach to just about everything, any change to the classification system would likely take time. So for now, the National Archives is asking former presidents and VPs to do a little self-audit. Since the state of national security could depend on it.