ExecutiveOrdersEO
Order 12958Presidential OrderG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Order 12958

Designation Under Executive Order 12958

This presidential order designates the Director of National Intelligence and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency as officials authorized to originally classify information as "Top Secret" under Executive Order 12958. The designation is consistent with section 1.3 of that order and permits further delegation only in accordance with section 1.3(c).

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 21609

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register filing

Key directives

  • Designate Director of National Intelligence as Top Secret original classification authority
  • Designate Director of Central Intelligence Agency as Top Secret original classification authority
  • Require any delegation to comply with section 1.3(c) of EO 12958
  • Publish order in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Designation takes effect upon signing
  • DNI and CIA Director authorized to classify Top Secret information

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication (filed April 25, 2005)

Long term

  • Ongoing classification authority for designated officials

Risks & tensions

  • Limited to two specific officials—narrow scope reduces institutional risk
  • Delegation constraint in 1.3(c) provides procedural safeguard against over-classification
Presidential Order 12958: Designation Under Executive Order 12958 · Executive Orders