A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to comply with the Presidential Records Act, a law enacted after the Watergate scandal to ensure the preservation of presidential records. The ruling came on Wednesday (May 20) after the Department of Justice (DOJ) called the law unconstitutional, claiming it exceeds Congressional power. The judge, however, issued an injunction stating that the law is “likely constitutional” and mandated that most White House employees adhere to its requirements.
The DOJ had previously issued a memorandum suggesting that President Trump “need not further comply” with the act, arguing it was unconstitutional. This memo sparked a lawsuit by the American Historical Association and American Oversight, who sought to challenge the DOJ’s stance and ensure the administration’s compliance with the law. According to American Oversight, the lawsuit aims to protect public access to presidential records, which are considered to belong to the American people.
The judge’s order doesn’t directly apply to President Trump or Vice President Vance. The ruling is expected to face further legal challenges as the administration and its critics continue to debate the law’s constitutionality.
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