All articles tagged with #presidential records act
A federal judge ruled the Presidential Records Act is likely constitutional and ordered the White House to comply, rejecting a DOJ opinion that the law is unconstitutional. The 54-page decision says Congress has the power under the Property Clause to regulate presidential records and found a substantial risk the White House isn’t following the Act; the order becomes effective May 26.
A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction requiring most White House staff to preserve presidential and vice presidential records under the Presidential Records Act, despite the DOJ arguing the Act is unconstitutional. The order takes effect May 26 and does not cover Trump or Vice President Vance; it was sought by historians groups and watchdogs concerned about transparency. The decision upholds the PRA as likely constitutional and emphasizes Congress’s intent to illuminate presidential actions.
A federal judge ruled the Presidential Records Act is likely constitutional and granted a preliminary injunction requiring Trump aides to continue complying with it, rejecting the DOJ's claim that the law intrudes on presidential power; the order takes effect May 26 as higher courts consider the matter, while the National Archives continues to make records available under the PRA during ongoing lawsuits.
A watchdog group, American Oversight, is urging Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche—Trump’s designated representative to the National Archives—to step aside as gatekeeper to Trump’s presidential records, citing a potential conflict from his attorney‑client relationship with the former president as large portions of first-term records approach public release under the Presidential Records Act.
Former U.S. attorney and federal prosecutor Joyce Vance believes that the issues surrounding recent rulings by Judge Aileen Cannon in Donald Trump's classified documents trial are far from over, as the judge's decisions have left ambiguity and potential for appeal. The case in Florida involves the retaining of classified documents at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and federal prosecutors argue that the Presidential Records Act should not apply. Cannon's handling of the case has prompted criticism and concerns about potential delays, with the prosecution likely to appeal outstanding issues to a higher court before the trial begins in late May.
The judge in former President Donald Trump's classified documents case, Aileen Cannon, has been making pre-trial decisions that have raised concerns among legal experts and Special Counsel Jack Smith. The latest controversy revolves around the judge's request for jury instructions on the Presidential Records Act, which suggests she may be crediting Trump's defense that he was authorized to keep the documents. Smith's team has expressed concerns about the judge's legal premise and the potential impact on the case, emphasizing the need for a prompt resolution to avoid complications during the trial.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon denied Donald Trump's motion to dismiss a case involving mishandling of presidential records, prompting former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner to interpret her ruling as potentially biased. Kirschner believes Cannon's decision to wait until after the jury is sworn in before potentially giving a "lawless jury instruction" favoring Trump is concerning. The case involves special counsel Jack Smith's clash with Cannon over jury instructions related to the Presidential Records Act.
U.S. District Court Judge Aileen M. Cannon rejected Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss charges of mishandling classified documents by claiming protection under the Presidential Records Act, defending her handling of the issue and pushing back against special counsel Jack Smith's challenge. The judge's decision comes after a back-and-forth with prosecutors and defense lawyers over proposed jury instructions, with Cannon emphasizing that her request was not a final declaration but an attempt to understand the parties' positions in the upcoming trial.
Former President Donald Trump lost attempts to dismiss criminal charges in Florida and Georgia, with judges rejecting his arguments related to mishandling classified documents and election interference. The rulings come as Trump faces upcoming criminal trials, including the first hush money trial set to begin jury selection in less than two weeks. While the rulings were losses for Trump, they also pushed back on special counsel Jack Smith's criticisms, with the judge emphasizing that her orders should not be misconstrued as the final word on any essential piece of the case.
A federal judge has denied former President Donald Trump's attempt to have his classified documents case dismissed based on the Presidential Records Act. Trump's attorneys argued that he should have custody of the documents in question, even after his presidency, but the judge rejected this argument. The judge also criticized the special counsel's filing and dismissed the suggestion that she should clarify her position on jury instructions. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 37 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials and has denounced the probe as a political witch hunt.
A federal judge rejected Donald Trump's request to dismiss the prosecution over mishandling classified documents, ruling that the Presidential Records Act did not permit him to retain the sensitive records after leaving office. The judge's decision represents a win for the prosecution team, which has been pushing for the case to proceed to trial. The ruling also addressed potential jury instructions, with prosecutors expressing frustration and warning of potential appeals. Trump faces multiple felony counts related to mishandling classified documents and is also involved in other legal cases related to election interference and hush money payments.
A judge denied former President Donald Trump's attempt to dismiss a case alleging mishandling of classified documents, rejecting his argument that the papers were considered personal under the Presidential Records Act. The judge stated that the charges against Trump do not reference the Presidential Records Act and do not rely on it for stating an offense. The judge also disputed the demand to decide the issue now, calling it "unprecedented and unjust." The case revolves around whether national security documents could be considered personal under the Presidential Records Act, with prosecutors arguing that Trump's reliance on the Act is not based on any decisions made during his presidency.
Former President Donald Trump called for special counsel Jack Smith to be punished for criticizing the judge overseeing his classified documents case in Florida. Smith had slammed the judge's request for jury instruction proposals, arguing it could distort the trial and potentially lead to a directed verdict for Trump. The case revolves around Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents after his presidency, with his defense relying on the Presidential Records Act. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and previously sought dismissal based on presidential immunity, a decision that is pending.
Former White House attorney Ty Cobb predicts that the 11th Circuit Court may remove Judge Aileen Cannon from the case involving former President Trump’s mishandling of classified documents at his Florida estate, citing delays and bias. Special counsel Jack Smith's recent filing criticized Cannon's handling of the case and suggested that the 11th Circuit could intervene if she does not rule promptly. The case revolves around Trump's alleged violation of the Presidential Records Act and his obstruction of justice in concealing the records from authorities.
The criminal case against Donald Trump over his retention of classified information faces delays as special counsel Jack Smith argues that the judge is relying on a flawed legal premise regarding Trump's potential immunity under the Presidential Records Act. Smith has indicated that he would appeal to a higher court if the judge rules in Trump's favor, potentially leading to further delays in the trial, which could extend beyond the November election. Trump faces multiple criminal charges and his lawyers are pursuing delaying tactics, seeking to put off trials until after the election or avoid them altogether.