On September 9th, 2020, journalist Bob Woodward released a recording of a conversation he had with President Donald Trump in February of this year. The conversation revealed that Trump was aware of the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite publicly downplaying its threat to the American people. However, another topic discussed in the recording has also raised concerns: Trump’s claim that he had retained a classified document.
During the conversation, Woodward asked Trump if he had spoken with his intelligence officials about the threat of North Korea. Trump responded by saying, “I have built a nuclear weapon, I have built a weapon, I have built a weapon system that nobody’s ever had in this country before. We have stuff that you haven’t even seen or heard about. We have stuff that Putin and Xi have never heard about before. There’s nobody – what we have is incredible.”
Woodward then asked if the information was in a classified document, to which Trump replied, “Yeah, we have stuff that you haven’t even seen yet. But it’s become very apparent that it’s going to be delivered. And we’re going to deliver it, and we have the biggest and the finest military in the world.”
The fact that Trump claimed to have retained a classified document has raised concerns about his handling of sensitive information. It is unclear what exactly the document contains or if it even exists. However, the mere suggestion that the President may be in possession of classified information outside of proper channels is alarming.
Trump has a history of mishandling classified information. In 2017, he shared highly classified intelligence with Russian officials during an Oval Office meeting. He also reportedly used an unsecured cellphone to make calls, potentially exposing sensitive information to foreign governments.
The handling of classified information is taken very seriously by the U.S. government. Unauthorized disclosure of classified information can result in criminal charges and can compromise national security. The President, as the Commander-in-Chief, has a responsibility to protect classified information and ensure it is handled appropriately.
It is unclear if any action will be taken regarding Trump’s claim of retaining a classified document. However, the revelation has raised concerns about the President’s handling of sensitive information and his commitment to national security. As the 2020 election approaches, voters must consider not only Trump’s policies but also his ability to handle the responsibilities of the presidency, including the protection of classified information.
