Democrats demand Trump agencies preserve records or face penalties

Democratic lawmakers have warned Trump administration officials to preserve government records, saying unlawful destruction could bring criminal penalties. The letter signals that Democrats intend to use their new congressional majorities to scrutinise the administration.

Bobby Scott, expected to chair the House education and workforce committee, asked leaders of 10 departments and agencies to confirm in writing by 18 November that records had been kept under the Federal Records Act. Officials who deliberately conceal or destroy covered records can face fines or up to three years in prison. The recipients include the education, agriculture and labour departments, Health and Human Services, and the National Labour Relations Board.