From 1789 to 1978, presidents claimed control of their papers and records and took those documents with them when they left office. There was no challenge to this right of ownership until the Presidential Records Act was enacted in 1978 after the Watergate scandal during the Nixon administration.
In this episode of River to River presidential scholars reflect on Watergate and how it ultimately lead to the enactment of the federal law. Tim Walch and Donna Hoffman apply the PRA to former president Trump, who's pleaded guilty to 37 felony counts brought under this law.
They also discuss how the PRA has been cited in other presidential administrations including former president Bill Clinton.
Guests:
- Tim Walch, director emeritus, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
- Donna Hoffman, professor of political science, University of Northern Iowa
