Here is a take from an Intel. expert on Trump's claim of declassifying.... Trump wanted to sell his stolen documents.
"The fact that Trump never formally declassified anything, and also never raised it to DOJ, but is asserting it (unofficially) now, is actually an incredibly damning admission by Trump. That's because it means that *he wanted these secrets to still have value* As I noted in a previous tweet, had Trump formally declassified these secrets, he would have had to notify all the agencies responsible for the respective intel. They, in turn, would have taken steps to protect methods and sources. Why? Because it would no longer be secret. If you *really* think something should be public, then you want to take steps to protect the sources of the intel before you release it. But Trump claims he did it secretly. That means he *intentionally* wanted to leave these sources and methods exposed. Why would you want that? Only if you wanted the secrets to have value to someone. Similarly, if he had asserted declassification to DOJ, they 'd ask, "Which ones?" He'd have to show what he had. Again, once the USG knows, the secrets get protected, i.e. no value as "secrets". Of course, he conveniently trots out the claim that he "declassified" them know -- once he is found out. The gig is up, so now he thinks it's a shield. But you only secretly "declassify" if you want secrets to remain valuable while giving yourself "cover" if you get discovered.