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MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Designation of Officers of the National Archives and Records Administration to Act as Archivist of the United States

This memorandum establishes a line of succession for acting Archivist of the United States within the National Archives and Records Administration, listing five officials in order of priority to serve if both the Archivist and Deputy Archivist are unable to perform their duties. It revokes a 2012 Obama administration memorandum on the same topic.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 96331

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Establish order of succession for acting Archivist: (1) Chief Operating Officer, (2) Chief of Management and Administration, (3) Executive for Agency Services, (4) Director of National Personnel Records Center, (5) Director of George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
  • Revoke 2012 memorandum on same topic
  • Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Revocation of 2012 memorandum takes effect
  • New succession order becomes effective

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Line of succession remains in place for future vacancies

Risks & tensions

  • Succession excludes Deputy Archivist (already assumed unavailable per triggering condition); no general counsel or inspector general in line
  • George Bush Presidential Library director's inclusion is unusual given geographic/political distance from NARA headquarters
  • Presidential retention of discretion to depart from this order preserves flexibility but creates uncertainty
Presidential Memorandum: Designation of Officers of the National Archives and Records Administration to Act as Archivist of the United States · Executive Orders