History of Presidential Records Act in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 25, 2026

The Presidential Records Act (PRA) of 1978 mandates the preservation of official records of presidents and vice presidents created or received after January 20, 1981. This act, enacted on November 4, 1978, shifted the legal ownership of presidential records from private to public, establishing a statutory structure for presidents to manage these records. A 2014 amendment prohibits sending electronic records through non-official accounts unless an official account is copied or the record is promptly forwarded to an official account, ensuring transparency and accountability in presidential communications.

1974: Nixon's Resignation

In 1974, President Richard Nixon resigned and sought to destroy records relating to his presidential tenure, leading to the enactment of the Presidential Records Act.

November 4, 1978: PRA Enacted

On November 4, 1978, the Presidential Records Act (PRA) was enacted, changing the legal ownership of a president's official records from private to public and establishing a new statutory structure for managing those records.

1978: Presidential Records Act Enacted

In 1978, the Presidential Records Act was enacted to ensure that presidential records are owned by the public and must be preserved, which requires the president to ensure preservation of records documenting the performance of his official duties.

January 20, 1981: PRA Effective Date

On January 20, 1981, the Presidential Records Act (PRA) went into effect, governing the official records of presidents and vice presidents created or received after this date and mandating the preservation of all presidential records.

2014: PRA Amendment

In 2014, the Presidential Records Act (PRA) was amended to prohibit sending electronic records through non-official accounts unless an official account is copied or the record is forwarded to an official account shortly after creation.

April 2026: DOJ Opinion on PRA

In April 2026, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel released an opinion declaring that the Presidential Records Act was unconstitutional. Following this, the American Historical Association and American Oversight sued the administration in an effort to block Trump from destroying or keeping official records for himself.