The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) faced significant challenges in retrieving missing presidential records from former President Donald Trump, including a doctored Hurricane Dorian map and letters from North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and former President Barack Obama.
NARA General Counsel Gary Stern expressed frustration over the hoarding of records and stated that the hurricane map was the most requested missing document. The White House Office of Records Management (WHORM) had attempted to collect the documents before the end of Trump’s term due to concerns about records retention. Various methods were used to gather missing records, including collecting trash and putting damaged documents back together.
Despite warnings and efforts by Attorney General Merrick Garland and President Biden’s White House Counsel’s Office, NARA remained concerned about the possible retention of further potentially classified documents. These concerns ultimately led to an FBI search warrant being executed at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, where over 100 classified documents were seized.
The shifting accounts of the number of missing boxes and the discovery of additional classified documents have raised questions about whether a comprehensive search for presidential records has been conducted. The case is ongoing, with Trump scheduled to head to trial in July 2023.
