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[–] 53 points 2 years ago (8 children)

Knowingly owning or using classified info without proper clearance is, in fact, a crime.

That’s a large part of what Trump’s classified document raid was for. Former presidents usually have a lot of classified stuff to turn over after leaving office. It’s standard practice, (and perfectly legal) to simply send it back (via the proper channels) as soon as you discover you have it. But if you conceal it and refuse to return it (like Trump did) then that’ll land you in some hot water.

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  • [–] 16 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    It's my understanding that you're only required to protect the information if you've actually agreed to do so, which is obviously a retirement for being given access. Elected officials are a weird area where they have a much easier time getting clearance, but they've still made agreements to protect the information.

    Trump was authorized to handle classified information in the first place, which is why his mishandling was a problem. I haven't read the actual law, but I'm pretty sure ordinary people who happen across classified information have no duty at all in any direction. If you can show me an example of a random person getting in trouble for sharing classified information that they didn't steal or get others to steal, well, let me know.

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  • [–] 11 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

    AFAIK it's part of being given some clearance. In most Western countries it's fine to republish already leaked material as a private citizen. How would the media do it otherwise?

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago

    No, his problem is that he was supposed to have access at some point wherein you agree to secure documents in certain ways. If you're given it or find it you do not have that duty. Defense secrets are much more protected but still not that much of you aren't supposed to have access.

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