'Presidents are not kings': Federal judge rules Jan. 6 committee can access Trump's records

In a significant setback for former president Donald Trump, a federal judge ruled Tuesday that the House Select Committee investigating the Capitol insurrection can access his White House records related to the attack.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 39-page decision in which she rejected arguments from Trump's lawyers that the documents should be kept from the committee based on executive privilege.

Chutkan wrote that Trump's argument appeared to be "premised on the notion that his executive power 'exists in perpetuity.'"

"But Presidents are not kings, and Plaintiff (Trump) is not President," Chutkan wrote.

CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins called Chutkan's ruling "huge news."

The National Archives is facing a deadline of Friday to begin handing over the documents, but Trump is expected to appeal the ruling.

"The ruling, if upheld, could greatly speed the work of the committee. Of nearly 800 pages of documents that Trump has sought withheld, many such as White House visitor and call logs are unavailable elsewhere," the Washington Post reports. "Other responsive records identified by the National Archives include emails and other communications; draft speeches and talking points on election irregularities; and memos regarding potential lawsuits against states Biden won."