House Speaker Mike Johnson has ordered the Biden administration to preserve all records and communications as the White House prepares for the upcoming transition to a Trump administration.
In a move that signals a robust approach to ensuring transparency, Johnson sent letters to 18 federal departments, instructing them to retain all documents.
This directive underscores the importance of maintaining records related to key policies and potential controversies from recent years, such as the Afghanistan withdrawal and border security issues.
Johnson’s order carries weight, with serious legal consequences for any attempt to delete or destroy records, which could be prosecuted under federal law.
This proactive measure also indicates that Republicans are taking a more prepared stance in this transition, compared to Trump’s first term. Johnson’s approach suggests a focus on accountability and rooting out alleged mismanagement or misconduct.
One of the letters, addressed to Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, reiterates Congress’s intent to pursue thorough review of such documents, signaling that oversight will remain a priority for Republicans as President-elect Trump’s team prepares to take office in January 2025.
