The White House has decided against releasing visitor logs during President Donald Trump’s second term, reinforcing a policy reminiscent of his previous administration. This decision, confirmed by Fox News, indicates a return to the practices established during Trump’s first term.

Continuation of a Controversial Policy

According to a White House official speaking to the Washington Examiner, the administration will maintain the same transparency standards—or lack thereof—that characterized Trump’s initial years in the Oval Office. In April 2017, Trump’s first administration declared that it would no longer voluntarily disclose the names and details of those visiting the White House.

A Shift Away from Transparency

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended the current administration’s stance, asserting, “After four years of the Biden administration’s empty promises, lies, and secrets, President Trump is giving the people and the press a level of access and transparency never seen before.” However, critics argue that this level of transparency is paradoxical when visitor logs are kept under wraps.

The Legal Landscape

Under the Presidential Records Act, the release of visitor logs remains non-mandatory, as these records are protected until five years after a presidential term concludes. This legal provision enables the Trump administration to avoid public scrutiny regarding visitor access to the President.

Contrast with Biden’s Administration

Throughout his presidency, Joe Biden took a markedly different approach by consistently releasing visitor logs at the start of each month. This practice drew significant praise from media outlets that highlighted it as a commitment to reestablishing transparency in government operations. The New York Times noted that these efforts were part of a larger initiative to restore public trust in governmental affairs.

Challenges with Disclosure

Despite his administration’s commitment to releasing these logs, a review by Bloomberg uncovered significant gaps in disclosures over Biden’s first two years. Notably, as of November, logs from July—a critical month in which Biden made headlines for announcing his decision to withdraw from the 2024 election—had not been made public. This lack of transparency raises questions about who had accessed the President during that pivotal time.

Historical Context

It’s important to note that former President Barack Obama was the first sitting president to publicly disclose visitor logs, setting a precedent aimed at improving the transparency of the presidency. The change in policy under Trump marked a significant departure from this practice, emphasizing a more secretive approach to White House visitor access.