I think you’re definitely onto something! I’ve had a few days to process the response to the motion. It’s a circular argument they couldn't win. They want to review “and use” the information to continue their investigation for reasons of “national security”. But one must ask, how is national security a risk, almost two years later, that is now back in the hands of the government?

Let’s remember, we (and maybe the investigative team looking to file charges for mishandling) don’t know it’s classification. Or do they?

Let’s say a president classified certain docs as “personal” yet NARA feels like they should be archived. What if the docs expose something sensational… collusion, treason, players of Russiagate, election fraud etc.

NARA may not agree with the “personal” classification. The president believes it is. Executive privilege gives a very wide reach in discernment to the president. It’s be a simple disagreement between a president and NARA. You know, sending letters, asking for documents, giving documents, asking to see the storage, asking for a lock to be placed, typical back and forth negotiation.

But it’s Trump. Nothing has been normal. Enter the 3 letter agencies. So they raid MAL and claim state secrets. National security. As you said, under the guise of the color of law. Transparency doesn’t work for those above the law. Having a judge who honestly believes in the rule of law is a threat. Just as Trump is. Just as we the people are.

Checkmate.