THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

May 7, 2019
The Honorable Je1rnld Nadler
Chairman
Committee on the Judiciary
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Chaiiman Nadler:
I write in reference to a subpoena issued by the Committee on the Judiciary (the
"Committee") to Donald F. McGahn II on April 22, 2019, which requests the production of
documents by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7.
The subpoena seeks certain White House records provided to Mr. McGahn while he was
Counsel to the President that are related to Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, Ill's investigation.
The White House provided these records to Mr. McGahn in connection with its cooperation with
the Special Counsel's investigation and with the clear understanding that the records remain
subject to the control ofthe White House for all purposes. The White House records remain legally
protected from disclosure under longstanding constitutional principles, because they implicate
significant Executive Branch confidentiality interests and executive privilege.
Because Mr. McGahn does not have the legal right to disclose these documents to third
parties, I would ask the Committee to direct any request for such records to the White House, the
appropriate legal custodian. The Acting Chief of Staff to the President, Mick Mulvaney, has
directed Mr. McGahn not to produce these White House records in response to the Committee's
April 22 subpoena. The Department of Justice is aware of and concurs with this legal position.
My Office will respond to the Committee concerning its interest in the records.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or would like to
discuss this matter.

'

t A. Cipollone

Counsel to the President
cc: The Honorable Doug Collins, Ranking Member