Court rejects Donald Trump’s efforts to keep records from US Capitol attack probe

In a 68-page ruling, the judges tossed aside the former president’s various arguments for blocking investigators from having access to the documents

The injunction preventing the files from being handed over will expire in two weeks, or when the Supreme Court rules on an expected appeal from Trump

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Trump supporters rally at the US Capitol in Washington on January 6. Photo: AP

Published: 6:39am, 10 Dec 2021

A federal appeal court ruled Thursday against an effort by former US president Donald Trump to shield documents from the House committee investigating the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

In a 68-page ruling, the three-judge panel tossed aside Trump’s various arguments for blocking through executive privilege records that the committee regards as vital to its investigation into the run-up to the deadly riot aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Judge Patricia Millett, writing for the court, said Congress had “uniquely vital interests” in studying the events of January 6 and said President Joe Biden had made a “carefully reasoned” determination that the documents were in the public interest and that executive privilege should not be invoked.

Trump also failed to show any harm that would occur from the release of the sought-after records Millett wrote.

“On the record before us, former president Trump has provided no basis for this court to override President Biden’s judgment and the agreement and accommodations worked out between the Political Branches over these documents,” the opinion stated.