Dispelling Myths: How Classification and Declassification Actually Work - by Brian Greer and Wendy Leben, June 2, 2023
EXCERPT:
In a perfect world, anytime the president wanted to declassify something, they [ie. he or she] would:
(1) consult with senior officials from the agencies that originated the information, as well as those with an interest in the information (for instance, the State Department if the information had diplomatic repercussions) and
(2) document the decision in writing so that agencies could properly implement it, including by downgrading and properly marking documents that contained the declassified information. But even then, the president should be free to declassify information by whatever means they [ie. he or she] choose.
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Follow through:
The President appointing a staff to manage departure from the Office of the President and from the White House. That includes, said staff:
a) being on top of arrangements with General Services Administration {"GSA") and National Archives and Records Administration ("NARA"), and
b) having the latest knowledge re what to expect regarding official procedures, and
c) having the know-how, and
d) establishing your own procedures
to follow through. Including, given that Executive powers a privileges end, being sure that what the President declassifed while having Executive powers and privileges, is recorded and marked.
Because the former President will be dealing with bureaucrats whose mission is to be picky at the least, especially when the bureaucrats do not favor said former President. (That, not being news to the former President.)