Overview
- In new court filings, historians said the National Archives would not agree to a no-destruction pledge or to keep access to prior presidential records while the case proceeds.
- The plaintiffs, including the American Historical Association and American Oversight, asked for an emergency order to require preservation of White House materials, including messages on encrypted apps used for official work.
- US District Judge Beryl Howell directed the parties to fast-track briefing on the request for emergency relief.
- The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel said on April 1 that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional, a view that guides the executive branch but has no force in court.
- The White House said President Trump will preserve records and told staff to retain work materials, yet it has not promised to transfer them to the National Archives.