Asked whether the Defense Department was directed to provide documents due to congressional or other pressure, Hoffman said the department is following normal procedure on high-profile issues.

“My understanding is this is a fairly standard practice that when there’s a significant level of congressional or [inspector general] interest in a matter, for the department to take steps proactively to ensure that these materials are available," Hoffman said. "To me, it seems to be a fairly routine but proactive measure we’re taking."

Documents will include all records on the issue of temporarily delaying aid to Ukraine, including conversations with other agencies. The Pentagon is expected this week to release a copy of the guidance from the general counsel, Hoffman said.

Hoffman also said no one from the Defense Department — including Defense secretary Mark Esper — was on the July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in which Trump asked Zelensky for “a favor” after the Ukrainian president brought up the transfer of more Javelin anti-tank missiles.

“The secretary has an incredibly busy schedule,” Hoffman said. “He doesn’t spend most of his days sitting in on other people’s phone calls.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday acknowledged that he had listened in on the call.

