The White House has published incorrect versions of President Trump’s executive orders on its official website, according to a new report.
At least five posts on the White House page do not match the official text sent to the Federal Register, USA Today said Tuesday.
USA Today said two cases involved the original text referring to incorrect or non-existent provisions of law.
USA Today noted that the official version of Trump’s executive order on immigration and refugees contains one of the larger errors.
Trump’s order requires an in-person interview for everyone seeking a non-immigrant visa under a section of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.
But the White House version refers to a provision that stipulates a physical and mental examination, rather a traditional interview.
USA Today noted that Trump’s executive order on ethical standards for administration appointees correctly cites existing law in the Federal Register’s official version.
The White House version differs by referencing “section 207 of title 28,” it said — a section of the U.S. Code that does not exist.
USA Today said the Federal Register’s editions of Trump’s orders contain the legally controlling language, but are often published several days after their White House counterparts.
The public sees the White House version more often, it said, meaning inaccuracies can mislead readers until an official document is released.
A Federal Register spokesman said the version his office receives is the exact text approved by Trump and bearing his signature.
“We would never correct something that the president signs,” said Jim Hemphill, special assistant to the director of the Federal Register, which is part of the National Archives. "Once the president’s signature is on that, it’s a legal document that we would never change.”
The director of the Sunlight Foundation, a nonpartisan transparency organization, said differences between the Federal Register and White House versions raise questions about Trump’s review process.
“These last-minute edits suggest the Trump White House needs to revisit their vetting, sign-off and publication processes for executive orders,” John Wonderlich said Tuesday.