So how does stuff get classified? And who does the classifying?

[Stinky The Clown]

Some stuff gets classified by custom or regulation simply based on what it is. An example is the floor plan used by the cleaning service at CIA HQ.

Some stuff gets classified because it discusses things that can, like plans for an upcoming summit with a foreign leader, leave us at a disadvantage if know by people who ought not know them.

Plans for nuclear weapons. Plans for fighter plans. Reports on various states of readiness. All are likely to be classified for obvious reasons.

Someone has to actually classify such things.

Declassifying generally requires the declassifier to consult with the original classifier to determine what, if any, negative outcome would result from the declassification.

When the Bushies outed Valerie Plame they did it with a consequences-be-damned attitude. Some of her contacts very likely suffered bad outcomes. The United States lost a competent NOC operative. But even here, the "declassifying" followed no formula. They just did it on their own - and almost certainly illegally.

You can't just wave your hand over a cardboard box of classified stuff and, like some political shaman or voodoo doctor, declare it declassified.

Sorry you pustulated turd. It didn't happen.

You're a criminal.

[Abolishinist]

1. Here's what I don't understand. I'm sure this has been discussed

but I can't find it.

Let's say a document is 'top-secret', containing info where our secret missile sites are located, or whatever.

a) How many copies are there, and shouldn't some entity KNOW this number
b) Isn't there a paper trail that shows where these documents travel to, and with whom
c) Why would it take over a year to figure out that some of these docs were missing. In fact, it seems if no one tells them that somone HAS the document they will never find out.

I mean, if I check out a LIBRARY book they know I have it, and if I don't return it on time they let me know.

I don't get it.

[haele]

2. Classified documents are serialized.

Both originals and copies are supposed to be logged and checked in/checked out.
Electronic documents can only be accessed in secure spaces that are monitored. Any copies of Secret and above classified information is also logged and checked out by the custodian under specific circumstances and there is a process to handle them if one has permission to remove classified documents.

But Classified documents are always managed in a strict process.

Haele

[LeftInTX]

3. They should, but Trump fired people who insisted that he follow protocol

He would fire his National Security Advisor. He got top secret clearances for his friends and family.
I don't think he was intent on spying as much he just was full of bluster and he didn't trust the intelligence community. "I'm the boss. These are my documents". Of course the real classified stuff went over his head.

Most of the stuff that the president deals with IS classified. Much of it is mundane, such as safety protocols at an upcoming event. Who will be assigned to who. Where is the president supposed to stand, sit, who is he supposed to meet. Who should he not engage with conversation with. What are possible hazards at the event? All of this is classified. It isn't top secret, but it's classified.
Other classified: Agenda for a meeting in the Oval office

[Abolishinist]

4. Thanks to both you and LeftInTX for your insights.

This is just another in a long string of what I once thought to be checks and balances that in essence only exist in large part due to the level of integrity and putting country over self from those in charge that I somewhat naively took for granted. Another example is the functioning of the electoral college and how much an individual state can interfere in potentially changing the will of the people.

As a fellow San Diegan, I'll be quite happy when my biggest concern is the godawful condition of our city streets!