Why the National Archives Requested a Justice Department Investigation of Trump’s Handling of White House Documents

The National Archives has formally asked the Department of Justice to investigate former President Donald Trump’s handling of White House records. This request, which was first reported by The Washington Post, stems from recent revelations about improper storage and management of presidential records.

Background and Reason for Investigation

According to a source familiar with the matter, the National Archives is seeking a review to determine if Trump violated the Presidential Records Act, which mandates the transfer of all records created during a president's term to the National Archives at the end of their administration. Additionally, the Archives is investigating possible other violations, including mishandling of classified information.

Recent Revelations and Concerns

The recent events that triggered this investigation include:

The National Archives had to retrieve 15 boxes of records that had ended up at Mar-a-Lago, a private resort in Florida, owned by Donald Trump. This raised concerns about the proper handling and storage of presidential documents. Other documents provided to the National Archives were found to be torn up and needed extensive piecing together. Documents handed over to the House Select Committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol had to be taped back together by National Archives staff, indicating their poor condition upon receipt.

Specific concerns arose when a person familiar with the matter mentioned that Archives general counsel Gary Stern contacted Trump’s team last fall regarding several boxes of records that appeared to have been taken to Mar-a-Lago during Trump's relocation to Florida. These boxes were identified as having been packed with personal belongings of the first family during the transition period.

Responding to Questions and Clarifications

In response to inquiries from CNN, the National Archives stated its position but did not provide specific details on how officials knew that Trump himself had ripped up the records. They pointed to previous reports indicating that White House records management staff had to tape together documents during the Trump administration due to their damaged state.

Outlook and Potential Investigation

It remains unclear whether the Justice Department will launch a formal investigation. Historically, a vast majority of referrals to the department do not result in formal investigations. As of the date of the request, the Department of Justice has yet to comment on this matter.

The significance of this investigation cannot be understated, as it touches on the integrity of the U.S. government and the proper stewardship of historical documents for future generations.