The archival data could have been important to historians and investigators to understand domestic and foreign policy initiatives during the Reagan and Bush years, as well as scandals and controversies.

The hiring of Wilson to the George Bush Center at Texas A&M University shortly afterwards raised concerns of conflict of interest.

The latter position was a source of controversy when it was revealed that Wilson made an agreement with Bush that gave the president control over his records that was ultimately judged "arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and contrary to law.

"[3] President Ronald Reagan swore in Wilson on December 4, 1987, with US Congressman Dick Cheney serving as the master of ceremonies.

[7][8] In spite of his "advocacy" for the preservation of electronic records, late on the night of January 19, 1993 (the day before the end of George H. W. Bush's presidency), Wilson signed a controversial deal, giving President Bush exclusive legal control over 5,000 tapes from White House computers.