00:02A federal judge has ordered top White House officials to preserve presidential records,
00:08rejecting the Trump administration's position that the Presidential Records Act does not apply.
00:13The ruling requires most White House staff and top advisors to save text messages and other
00:19official communications under the Presidential Records Act. The order applies to White House
00:25Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Stephen Miller, the National Security Council, and other staff inside
00:31the executive office of the President. President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are not covered
00:36by the directive. Judge John Bates wrote that the law is likely constitutional, rejecting the
00:42administration's argument that the White House could set aside parts of the law. Quote,
00:47While the presidency is a singularly important institution, that gravity does not free it
00:52from modest constraint. Congress has validly determined that this act helps to maintain
00:58that trust by shining some light on the activities of the President and his aides. The White House
01:04indicated it plans to keep fighting the case and said it believes it will ultimately win in court.
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