Legal Battle Over Executive Privilege
Governor Kim Reynolds filed a lawsuit against the , challenging the newspaper's open records request and asserting that four withheld emails are protected under executive privilege.
The lawsuit, initiated by Reynolds and supported by Iowa Attorney General , seeks to halt the Register's pursuit of these records, claiming that disclosure would impair the governor's ability to receive candid advice.
Open Records and Public Interest Concerns
Critics argue that executive privilege is not recognized in Iowa's open records law, with the Register's attorney, Susan P. Elgin, labeling the governor's withholding of the emails as "legally indefensible."
The dispute highlights broader concerns over transparency and accountability, with past lawsuits against Reynolds focusing on her compliance with open records requests and the state's approach to executive privilege.