WASHINGTON — A paper shredding truck parked outside the Department of Justice headquarters has sparked allegations of potential document destruction, leading Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to file an emergency motion seeking the preservation of federal records connected to the ongoing investigation of former President Donald Trump.
Paxton filed the request Thursday in the Amarillo Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, urging the court to issue a preservation or temporary restraining order to prevent the destruction of documents related to special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation. The motion, citing the truck’s presence, accuses the DOJ of actions that could compromise the integrity of key evidence.
“Plaintiffs request a preservation order because, in light of Defendants’ past conduct, it is a necessary, and modest, enforceable safeguard to ensure that Defendants comply with their legal obligations and avoid subjecting Plaintiffs to irreparable harm,” the motion stated. The filing emphasizes the alleged risk posed by the shredding truck, claiming it raises “serious concerns” about potential document destruction.
The truck’s appearance was widely circulated in photos shared on social media, including by the Oversight Project, a conservative watchdog group, which highlighted its presence at the DOJ. No official explanation has been given regarding the truck’s purpose, and the DOJ has declined to comment on the allegations.
The motion represents the latest escalation in Paxton’s legal efforts tied to federal investigations of Trump. This comes amid heightened scrutiny of the DOJ’s handling of sensitive records and ongoing challenges from Republican-led states over federal transparency and accountability.