DOJ Wants to Scrap Watergate-Era Rule That Makes Presidential Records Public

9 hours ago

The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo claiming the Presidential Records Act (PRA) is unconstitutional, arguing presidential records are private property, which threatens transparency and public access.
The PRA, enacted post-Watergate, ensures presidential records are public property, transferred to the National Archives, and become subject to FOIA requests after five years, providing insight into administrations.
If the DOJ's stance prevails, it could allow presidents, including Trump and future administrations, to conceal or dispose of records, eroding accountability and democratic oversight.
The timing coincides with plans for a 'Trump Presidential Library' in Miami, which may not collaborate with the National Archives, risking a lack of proper archival access.
Freedom of the Press Foundation has filed FOIA requests for key Trump administration records, covering topics like CIA torture, election integrity, and foreign leader communications, which could be lost if the DOJ memo stands.
The article warns of an 'authoritarian takeover' under Trump, with ignored court orders, loyalists in key positions, and attacks on press freedom, emphasizing the need for bipartisan action to protect democracy.
The Intercept appeals for support to expand reporting capacity, highlighting a dire year for journalism and the importance of independent media in resisting post-truth narratives and corporate influence.

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