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DOJ Opinion
Trump's Justice Department issued a legal opinion declaring the Presidential Records Act unconstitutional.
“Trump's Justice Department has concluded that a federal law requiring presidential records to be turned over to the government is unconstitutional”
The opinion contends the law unconstitutionally intrudes on the independence of the executive branch.
A senior White House official said Congress does not have the power to compel an entire branch to create and save every piece of paper.
Watergate-Era Law Challenged
The Presidential Records Act was enacted after Watergate to declare presidential records as government property.
Before the law, presidents owned and controlled their records as private property.
Trump has a fraught history with the law, having been indicted for mishandling documents.
The Atlantic Council warned this campaign was a high-risk gamble.
Opposition and Consequences
The opinion does not carry the force of law but sets up a confrontation with Congress and the National Archives.
“President Trump is committed to preserving records and will maintain a rigorous records retention program”
Trump said he is committed to preserving records and maintaining a rigorous retention program.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed alarm.
This raises profound questions about transparency and accountability.