No Copies of White House Emails Near Iraq Invasion
The intricate legal battle over missing White House emails could be going somewhere. Theresa Payton, the White House’s chief information officer,has admitted
Jul 31, 202031.4K Shares2.4M Views
The intricate legal battle over missing White House emails could be going somewhere. Theresa Payton, the White House’s chief information officer,has admittedthat there are no backup tapes of Executive Office of the President emails between March 1, 2003 and May 22, 2003. This timeframe roughly coincides with the invasion of Iraq (which was March 19, 2003) and “Mission Accomplished” victory declaration (May 1, 2003).
A court order in a civil suit- filed by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and the National Security Archive- instructed Payne and the president’s office to release all email backup tapes from March 2003 to October 2003.
In her declaration to the court, Payne said that the earliest back-up tape was May 23, 2003. It has already been established that these emails are not on a White House hard drive, as the White House erased the hard drives when they switched their archiving program in October 2003. In other words, it is likely that there is no archive of White House emails during these two critical months of White House activity. Some experts say this would constitute a violationof the Presidential Records Act, which is why the White House is being sued in the first place.
As to the 438 backup tapes the White House did produce between May 23, 2003 and September 29, 2003, Payne said it would be “extraordinarily burdensome” and “extremely costly” to prove the White House’s claim that these backup tapes actually contain executive office of president correspondence. “They’re hoping that they can avoid giving information as long as possible,” said Meredith Fuchs, of the National Security Archives, a plaintiff in the case, “Time is ticking away for the administration and they know it.”
Camilo Wood
Reviewer
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing.
Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles