In suing to block the National Archives from turning over documents, Trump's lawyers have said the committee has "no legitimate legislative purpose" for seeking them and granting access to the records would damage executive privilege for future presidents.

Last week Trump's lawyers asked the Supreme Court to hear arguments on his claim that executive privilege prevents the release of the documents, describing the committee as engaged in "meandering fishing expeditions."

The committee says the documents, including presidential diaries, visitor logs, speech drafts and handwritten notes, are vital to its investigation into the deadly riot at the Capitol aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The Supreme Court could decline to hear the appeal. Such action would mean the ruling Dec. 9 by the federal appeals court is the final word on the matter.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit tossed aside Trump's various arguments asserting executive privilege, saying Congress has a "uniquely vital interest" in studying the events of Jan. 6. That panel also placed emphasis on Biden's determination that the documents were in the public interest and that executive privilege should therefore not be invoked.

The question now is whether at least four justices agree to hear the case. The court has six conservative jurists, including three appointed by Trump, and several issues have arisen since Trump's lawyers filed their original petition...

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