Federal judge rejects Trump effort to block Jan. 6 docs

A federal judge has denied former President Trump’s lawsuit that seeks to block the National Archives from handing over documents to the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, prompting the former president to quickly appeal the ruling.

Trump sued the committee last month in an effort to block the National Archives from giving the investigative panel records relating to his time in office, including telephone records, visitor logs and other documents, citing executive privilege.

On Tuesday evening, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected that request, contending that President Biden is “best positioned” to determine if a former president’s request for executive privilege should be granted.

"Plaintiff does not acknowledge the deference owed to the incumbent President’s judgment. His position that he may override the express will of the executive branch appears to be premised on the notion that his executive power 'exists in perpetuity,'" Chutkan, an Obama appointee, wrote in a 39-page opinion. "But Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff is not President."

The Hill has reached out to Trump and the Jan. 6 committee for comment.