The National Archives and Records Administration said Friday it determined there was classified material among the boxes of documents that former President Trump took to Mar-a-Lago.

The Background: The agency previously said that Trump returned 15 boxes of documents that had been taken to Mar-a-Lago from the White House. The Archives said it “arranged for the transport from the Trump Mar-a-Lago property in Florida to the National Archives of 15 boxes that contained Presidential records, following discussions with President Trump’s representatives in 2021.” The House Committee on Oversight and Reform opened an investigation into the records earlier this month.

The New Details: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) asked Archivist David S. Ferriero if the agency had reported Trump’s actions to the US Attorney General. Ferriero replied, “Because NARA identified classified information in the boxes, NARA staff has been in communication with the Department of Justice.”

What Trump Says: For his part, Trump denies any improper handling. “The papers were given easily and without conflict and on a very friendly basis, which is different from the accounts being drawn up by the Fake News Media,” he said in a statement. “In fact, it was viewed as routine and ‘no big deal.’ In actuality, I have been told I was under no obligation to give this material based on various legal rulings that have been made over the years.”

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