Follow up to Trump’s disappearing transcripts, via Ben Amata [Government Information Librarian, California State University, Sacramento]: “The White House has removed a database of official transcripts documenting the President’s announcements and appearances. The “remarks” section of the White House website provides only YouTube videos rather than the transcripts that for decades past administrations have published. Instead of printing every transcript, creating a comprehensive record that meets the right of the public’s right to know, the administration is selectively publicizing some events. If the White House doesn’t eventually furnish the missing information to NARA, it would probably constitute a PRA violation. The law leaves it up to the president to self-enforce public dissemination of presidential information. “Places the responsibility for the custody and management of incumbent Presidential records with the President.” It certainly doesn’t meet President Trumps promise to be transparent. Self-regulation is by its very definition is a conflict of interest. Secretary of State Rubio is Acting National Archivist, and therefore we can’t expect him to enforce the law. GUIDANCE ON PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS from the National Archives and Records Administration “The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has long had a special relationship with the incoming Presidential Administration, including providing archival and records management guidance and support to the White House upon request.”
- See also via C-SPAN Commencement Speeches President Trump Delivered Commencement Address at West Point – Transcript – CSPAN May 24, 2025 10:01am-11:19am EDT
- See also CNN – Pentagon Press Association calls Defense Secretary Hegseth’s access restrictions ‘a direct attack’
