The Presidential Records Act, adopted in 1978, oversees previous presidents’ record-keeping obligations. At the conclusion of each administration, all memoranda, letters, emails, and other papers pertaining to the president’s responsibilities must be kept and turned over to the National Archives.
The National Archives requested an investigation into Trump’s handling of materials in February. According to the National Archives, several of the papers Trump gave over to them had been torn up and put back together.
On Monday, New York Times writer Maggie Haberman shared images from her forthcoming book that claimed to show Trump attempting to flush papers down the toilet at least twice.
“Nothing like this has ever occurred to a US President before,” Trump declared in a statement on Monday. “This surprise raid on my residence was neither necessary or acceptable after working and collaborating with the proper Government entities.”
Republicans slammed the investigation, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy promising that if Republicans retake the House, “we will undertake swift scrutiny of this agency, pursue the facts, and leave no stone unturned.” “Attorney General Garland, protect your records and clear your schedule,” he cautioned.
Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, said in a statement Tuesday that “The country deserves an urgent and full explanation of what occurred on Monday. Attorney General Garland and the Department of Justice should and must have already delivered answers to the American people.”
This story was contributed to by Melissa Quinn and Fin Gómez.