the executive branch may entrust classi?ed information bearing on our intelligence sources and methods and national defense .
 
accordingly , the committee?s request to release the memorandum is interpreted as a request for declassi?cation pursuant to the president?s authority .
the executive branch does so on the assumption that the committee will responsibly protect such classi?ed information , consistent with the laws of the united states .
the president with the authority to protect national security represents his highest obligation .
 
the committee has now determined that the release of the memorandum , ?
 
the fbi abused its surveillance authority , particularly when it sought a secret court order to monitor a former trump campaign adviser .