Classified materials were found in the boxes of documents Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, removed improperly from the White House, as per the US National Archives. They’ve also informed the Department of Justice (DoJ), about the same, the Guardian reported.

It is believed this disclosure will put more fervour into the investigation by the White House committee, into whether Trump removed and destroyed White House documents, in violation of the Presidential Records Act of 1978. 

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David Ferriero, of the National Archives and Records Administration (Nara), wrote a letter to the committee, speaking of identifying “items marked as classified national security information in the boxes”, as per the Guardian. The outlet also reported him saying, “Because Nara identified classified information in the boxes. Nara staff has been in communication with the Department of Justice”. 

News of Trump’s potential violation of the Presidential Records Act of 1978 first arose when a series of reports emerged, showing Trump flout the mandates pertaining to preserving White House documents. 

A series of discussions followed, with Trump’s lawyers. However, in late January, the Archives saw the return of 15 boxes, which Trump had taken to his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago. 

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The boxes contained White House documents, which are considered to be Presidential records, along with items including “love letters” from North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un, the Guardian reported. Further, the outlet said the boxes contained a letter left for Trump by Barack Obama, his predecessor at the White House, and an Air Force One model with Trump’s choice of the livery. 

However, the sensitive nature of the content, prompted a discussion between the National Archives and the DoJ, about whether Trump’s actions have been unlawful. 

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Carolyn Maloney, the New York democrat chairing the House oversight committee, said “removing or concealing government records is a criminal offence”, as per the Guardian. However, the outlet has also noted that experts believe prosecution for violating the Presidential Records Act can be tricky, as clear enforcement guidelines are lacking. 

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As per the US National Archives, their staff currently inventorying the items in the 15 boxes, to see if anything else is missing since the Trump presidency and expect to complete this task by next Friday.