Presidential Records
Establishes Rules for Executive Privilege over Presidential Records
What it does
Federal officials must follow new procedures for notifying incumbent and former Presidents and reviewing privilege claims before releasing Presidential records.
Real-world impact
- Archivist must give notice and typically wait 30 days before disclosing records.
- Incumbent or former Presidents can assert executive privilege to block disclosure.
- Revokes Executive Order 13233, changing prior rules on presidential records.
Topics
Summary
This order sets procedures for how the National Archives (the Archivist) notifies the current and former Presidents before releasing Presidential records and how claims of executive privilege are handled.
It affects the Archivist, the Counsel to the President, the Attorney General, and former Presidents by requiring review, consultation, and notice (generally 30 days) before disclosure; it also revokes Executive Order 13233. The goal is to balance transparency with protection of national security, law enforcement, and internal deliberations.
Questions, answered
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