House GOP, DOJ go to court over Biden, special counsel interview tapes
Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are in court on Monday, Oct. 28, against Attorney General Merrick Garland. The case stems from a lawsuit filed in July seeking the release of audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur during the Department of Justice’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents.
Hur’s investigation concluded without recommending criminal charges against the president, but his findings sparked controversy. In his 345-page report, Hur described Biden as “an elderly man with a poor memory.”
“My task was to determine whether the president retained or disclosed national defense information willfully,” Hur said during his testimony in front of the House committee. “I could not make that determination without assessing the president’s state of mind. My assessment of the president’s memory was necessary and accurate and fair.”
Hur’s report questioned Biden’s age and mental competence. According to Hur, Biden expressed confusion during the interview, particularly regarding significant dates, such as the timing of his son Beau’s death.
Biden, the White House and fellow Democrats expressed dissatisfaction with Hur’s portrayal. Vice President Kamala Harris called it “politically motivated.” Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee criticized Hur for not recommending charges.
Seeking more information about Biden’s answers, the committee called for the release of the audio recordings. Although the transcript of the interview was released, Republicans argued that it was insufficient.
In June, the House voted to hold Garland in contempt of Congress after the White House refused to provide the audio, asserting executive privilege over the recordings.
“Audio recordings are better evidence than transcripts of what happened during the special counsel’s interviews with President Biden,” the GOP lawsuit states. “For example, they contain verbal and nonverbal context that is missing from a cold transcript. That verbal and nonverbal context is quite important here because the special counsel relied on the way that President Biden presented himself during their interview — ‘as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory’ — when ultimately recommending that President Biden should not be prosecuted for unlawfully retaining and disclosing classified information.”
Meanwhile, the Justice Department is asking the court to dismiss the case, arguing that “the committee’s vanishingly small informational needs come nowhere close to overcoming the assertion of privilege. For these reasons, the court should rule in favor of the department.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland held in contempt of Congress
The head of the Department of Justice, Attorney General Merrick Garland, held in contempt of Congress. And “life-threatening” flooding in south Florida as more torrential rain is expected Thursday. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, June 13, 2024.
Attorney General Merrick Garland held in contempt of Congress
In an effort led by Republicans, the U.S. House voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress Wednesday, June 12. Lawmakers also voted to refer the top Department of Justice official for criminal charges.
It comes after Garland refused to turn over audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interviews with former special counsel Robert Hur as part of the probe over his handling of classified documents.
The 216-207 vote fell along party lines, with only one Republican, Rep. David Joyce of Ohio, voting against it.
The vote marks a major escalation in a months-long dispute over the recordings — which started after President Biden asserted executive privilege over the files. The DOJ has stood by the decision not to release the recordings, saying they’ve already provided transcripts.
DOJ officials wrote in an affidavit the transcripts accurately match the audio “except for minor instances” — like leaving out filler words or when words were repeated when spoken.
House Republicans argue the recordings are crucial to their impeachment inquiry into the president, which has stalled.
“He is refusing to comply with a lawful subpoena,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said of AG Garland. “And that’s a problem under Article I. We have to defend the Constitution. We have to defend the authority of Congress. We can’t allow the Department of Justice, an executive branch agency, to hide information from Congress. We have important oversight responsibilities, and that is what is being pursued here.”
Attorney General Garland responded to the decision to hold him in contempt late Wednesday night saying, “It is deeply disappointing that this House of Representatives has turned a serious congressional authority into a partisan weapon. Today’s vote disregards the constitutional separation of powers, the Justice Department’s need to protect its investigations and the substantial amount of information we have provided to the committees.”
U.S. and Ukraine set to sign 10-year security pact at G7 summit
President Joe Biden is in Italy Thursday, June 13, for the G7 summit, where he is expected to sign a 10-year bilateral security pact with Ukraine. This agreement is said to better strengthen the long-term security relationship between the two nations, with commitments to continue training Ukrainian armed forces, enhance weapons production cooperation and increase intelligence sharing.
The G7 leaders are also set to endorse a plan to provide Ukraine with $50 billion in loans, using frozen Russian assets to fund the initiative.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan mentioned that while the major aspects of the plan have been agreed upon, some details will still need to be finalized.
Additionally, on Wednesday, June 12, the U.S. expanded its sanctions against Moscow to include Chinese companies that supply semiconductors. This move aims to pressure Beijing over its support for Russia and address issues of industrial overcapacity.
The summit will also address other critical global issues, including the Middle East, migration and artificial intelligence.
ACLU sues Biden administration over new asylum rule
The Biden administration is facing its first lawsuit over President Joe Biden’s recent order temporarily shutting down the U.S.’ southern border. The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of a coalition of immigrant advocacy groups, is the first big challenge to the executive order put in place just over a week ago.
The restrictions bar migrants from seeking asylum when border encounters rise above 2,500 per day.
In its first week implemented, the number of migrants crossing has fallen by 25%, according to Department of Homeland Security officials. However, the number of migrants coming over is still more than the number allowed — about 3,000 per day.
The executive action was meant to make illegal border crossers ineligible for asylum, but officials say thousands of migrants a day are still being released into the U.S. because of “limited options.”
The lawsuit did not seek an emergency injunction to block the new rule, so it will stay in place while the challenge plays out in court.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady Wednesday, June 12, potentially delaying any rate cuts until December. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, speaking after a two-day policy meeting, said the U.S. economy’s growth and unemployment rates are performing better than long-term sustainable levels, prompting the decision to maintain the current rate.
During a press conference, Powell said inflation has been decreasing without severely impacting the economy and he anticipates this trend could continue. The Fed plans a gradual return of inflation to its 2% target.
“We know that reducing policy restraint too soon or too much could result in a reversal of the progress that we’ve seen on inflation,” Powell said. “At the same time, reducing policy restraint too late or too little could unduly weaken economic activity and employment. In considering any adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks.”
Powell said while some details of future rate cuts are still being finalized, the timing of these cuts will depend on a range of economic data, including labor market health and growth projections.
As the Fed’s latest interest rate announcement was made, Straight Arrow News’ own Simone Del Rosario and former Kansas City Fed President Thomas Hoenig had live analysis of the future of monetary policy. You can watch that here.
‘Life-threatening’ flooding in south Florida
For the third day in a row, heavy rain is threatening more destructive flooding in south Florida Thursday, June 13. It comes after storms turned streets into rivers and water rushed into homes, Wednesday, June 12.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, declared an emergency for five counties after dangerous flooding immobilized the operations of critical infrastructure, including major interstates, roadways, schools, and the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports.
On Tuesday night, June 11, a record-breaking eight inches of rain hit Florida’s west coast in just three hours.
Flood watches are in effect through Friday night, June 14, across south Florida, which is the state’s most populous area, as more rounds of heavy rainfall are expected.
Meteorologists say many parts of the state are likely to see double-digit rainfall totals by the time the storms fully pass.
Russian warships conduct drills 100 miles off coast of Florida
Three Russian warships and a nuclear-powered submarine conducted drills Tuesday, June 11, in the Atlantic Ocean while en route to Cuba. The Russian defense ministry said the drills involved simulated attacks on distant mock targets.
The Russian fleet arrived in Cuba Wednesday, June 12, just 100 miles from Florida’s Key West. It’s set to move to Venezuela on Monday, June 17.
These exercises mark the first joint Russian naval and air maneuvers in the Caribbean since 2019.
Despite the proximity, Cuba has assured these visits are routine among allies and the vessels carry no nuclear weapons, posing no threat to the region.
The White House views these drills as Russia’s response to U.S. support for Ukraine but does not see them as a threat to U.S. national security.
‘Fake eyelashes,’ ‘butch body’: Insults fly in congressional hearing
A House Oversight Committee hearing on Thursday, May 16, became degenerate when lawmakers resorted to name calling and insults. The hearing was hosted by Republicans as they seek to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress.
The behavior lasted for more than half an hour as lawmakers argued over Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s, R-Ga., comment about another lawmaker’s fake eyelashes.
“I think your fake eyelashes are messing up your reading,” Greene said to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas.
That caused an strong reaction from Democrats who pointed out that it is against the rules of decorum to attack another member’s personal appearance.
“Oh girl, baby girl, don’t even play,” Ocasio-Cortez said to Greene.
The effort to hold Garland in contempt is in response to his decision not to turn over audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur.
Hur was the attorney who investigated the president’s handling of classified documents found at his home and personal office.
“That’s beneath even you Miss Greene,” ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said.
“That is absolutely unacceptable. How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said.
“Are your feelings hurt?” Greene responded.
Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., then brought the out-of-control meeting to a halt.
“We’re suspending,” Comer said as he struck the gavel.
Democrats called for Greene’s comments to be removed from the record and she eventually agreed. However, the battle soon resumed.
“I’m not apologizing,” Greene said to Ocasio-Cortez. “Why don’t you debate me?”
“Yeah, you don’t have enough intelligence,” Greene said.
That caused a full yelling match.
When Comer tried to move on, Crockett, the target of the insult that started the conflict, chimed in.
“I’m just curious just to better understand your ruling,” Crockett said, referring to Greene. “If someone on this committee then starts talking about somebody’s bleach blond, bad-built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct?”
“A what now?” Comer responded.
The ordeal started after Democrats tried to refer Comer to the ethics committee for sending fundraising emails about his efforts to hold Merrick Garland in contempt.
Some watching this hearing may wish they were like Chairman Comer.
Trump’s criminal cases see day of court filings on immunity claim, bids to delay
Special counsel Jack Smith urges the Supreme Court to reject former President Trump’s claims of immunity in the election interference case, and Tesla settles a lawsuit over a 2018 crash involving its Autopilot system. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Court filings on immunity claim, bid to delay in Trump cases
Smith argued against Trump’s “novel and sweeping” immunity claim, emphasizing that “no person is above the law.” Trump’s legal team had filed a brief with the court last month saying “the presidency cannot retain its vital independence, if the president faces criminal prosecution” after leaving office.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on this matter on April 25, with a ruling expected by early July.
Trump and co-defendants argue for her removal, citing a conflict of interest, a claim Willis denies, highlighting the recent resignation of her top prosecutor, Nathan Wade.
In all cases, Trump has entered not guilty pleas.
DOJ rejects demands for Biden’s classified documents audio recordings
The Department of Justice has rejected a request by House Republicans for audio recordings of special counsel interviews with President Joe Biden concerning his management of classified documents, despite GOP threats to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress.
The House Judiciary and Oversight Committees, having sought the audio recordings after Hur’s report was released in February, were told by the DOJ that it has fully cooperated. The department suggests the GOP’s demands are politically rather than oversight driven.
Hamas says it rejected latest Israeli cease-fire proposal
Despite Egyptian sources indicating potential agreement concessions, a Hamas spokesperson stated no progress had been made towards a deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, actively monitoring the negotiations, emphasized Israel’s determination to secure the release of all hostages and defeat Hamas.
On Monday, April 8, the NAIA Council of Presidents voted 20 to 0 in favor of the policy, which permits only those assigned female at birth and who have not started hormone therapy to compete in women’s sports.
The NAIA, which represents about 83,000 athletes across 241 primarily small colleges in the United States, is believed to be the first collegiate sports governing body to enforce such a policy, set to take effect in August.
Tesla settles lawsuit over fatal autopilot crash of Apple engineer
Tesla has settled a lawsuit with the family of Walter Huang, a Silicon Valley engineer who died in a crash while using the company’s Autopilot semi-autonomous driving software in 2018. The lawsuit alleged that Tesla, along with CEO Elon Musk, had exaggerated the capabilities of its self-driving technology, misleading consumers into believing that constant vigilance while driving was unnecessary.
The incident, which occurred during Huang’s commute to work, has raised significant safety concerns regarding Tesla’s autonomous driving features. Tesla had contended that Huang was distracted by playing a video game on his phone at the time of the crash.
This settlement, the amount of which remains undisclosed, comes amid broader scrutiny over Tesla’s technology and a Justice Department inquiry into the company’s marketing of its self-driving capabilities.
UConn defeats Purdue to repeat as men’s NCAA National Champions
Led by Tristen Newton — who scored 20 points and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — UConn secured its sixth national title. This victory marks the first time a team has won back-to-back titles since Florida in 2006 and 2007.
According to the NCAA, about 26% of brackets in its Challenge game this year had predicted the Huskies to repeat their championship win.
Special counsel Hur says classified docs report doesn’t exonerate Biden
Special counsel Robert Hur defended his description of President Joe Biden’s memory during a hearing with the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday, March 12. Hur, who investigated Biden’s handling of classified information and declined to criminally charge him, had to fend off accusations of political bias during the hearing.
“My assessment and the report about the relevance of the president’s memory was necessary, and accurate and fair,” Hur told the committee. “I did not sanitize my explanation, nor did I disparage the president unfairly.”
In a list of reasons as to why he decided not to charge Biden for having classified documents in his home and personal office, one sentence has received more attention than the rest of the 388-page report.
“We have also considered that, at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” the report stated.
Democrats called that description gratuitous.
“You’re doing everything you can do to get President Trump reelected so that you can get appointed as a federal judge or perhaps to another position in the Department of Justice,” Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., said to Hur.
“Congressman, I have no such aspirations,” Hur responded. “I can assure you and I can tell you that partisan politics had no place whatsoever in my work.”
“You made a choice,” Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said to Hur. “That was a political choice. It was the wrong choice.”
“What you are suggesting is that I shape, sanitize, omit portions of my reasoning and explanation to the attorney general for political reasons,” Hur answered.
The Hur report noted that Biden shared classified information with, Mark Zwonitzer, the ghostwriter for his books “Promise me, Dad” and “Promises to Keep.”
Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speculated that could be a reason to keep the classified documents.
“Mr. Hur, how much did President Biden get paid for his book?” Jordan asked.
“Off the top of my head, I’m not sure if that information appears in the report,” Hur said.
“It sure does,” Jordan responded. “There’s a dollar amount in there. You remember?”
“I don’t. It may be $8 million,” Hur answered.
“$8 million,” Jordan said. “Joe Biden had 8 million reasons to break the rules. Took classified information and shared it with the guy who was writing the book. He knew the rules but he broke them for $8 million in a book advance.”
Republicans also claimed Biden received more lenient treatment than Donald Trump, who also had classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence. Trump is facing 37 charges, including violations of the Espionage Act, conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements.
“Biden and Trump should have been treated equally,” Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said. “They weren’t. And that is the double standard that I think a lot of Americans are concerned about.”
Democrats highlighted differences between the Biden and Trump cases.
“The president allowed your team to seize and review all of the notebooks you found, is that correct?” Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., asked.
“That is correct,” Hur answered.
“Now that’s in stark contrast to ex-President Trump’s case,” Lofgren said. “He obstructed and diverted all the investigations.”
Democrats also played a video montage of Trump making the same types of gaffes Biden is known for and repeatedly saying “I don’t remember” in depositions.
They also contend that Trump was more careless with the classified documents found at his home compared to Biden.
“We know that he stored that information around Mar-a-Lago in the craziest places — on the ballroom stage, spilled across the floor of an unlocked closet, next to the toilet,” Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said.
However, when Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said the report exonerated the president, Hur interrupted to say it did not.
Jordan seeks interview and audio recordings from Biden ghostwriter
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is asking President Biden’s ghostwriter to appear for a transcribed interview and hand over any transcripts or recordings related to his work on Biden’s memoirs. Author Mark Zwonitzer was put in the spotlight when special counsel Robert Hur submitted his final report to Attorney General Garland on Biden’s handling of classified information.
Zwonitzer helped Biden write two books: “Promise Me, Dad” and “Promises to Keep.”
The special counsel determined no criminal charges were warranted in the matter. The report also stated that Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency as a private citizen. Those disclosures include sharing some notes with Zwonitzer that were classified.
Jordan is requesting:
All documents and communications shared between Zwonitzer and President Biden relating to ghostwriting work on memoirs.
All contracts or agreements relating to ghostwriting work.
All documents evidencing payments relating to ghostwriting work.
All audio recordings of any interviews or conversations between Zwonitzer and Biden.
All transcripts of any interviews or conversations between Zwonitzer and Biden related to his memoirs.
“Special Counsel Hur noted that once FBI agents contacted you relating to your ghostwriting work on President Biden’s memoirs, you ‘provided investigators records that included near-verbatim transcripts and . . . audio recordings.’” Jordan said in a letter to Zwonitzer. “Special Counsel Hur also noted that shortly after Special Counsel Hur began his investigation, you took steps to conceal some of these recordings and transcripts.”
Hur’s report shared specifics of Biden’s work with Zwonitzer.
“Based on our review of the notebooks and recorded interviews, when Mr. Biden came to potentially classified material in his notebook entries, he appears to have sometimes stopped at or skipped over the potentially classified material,” the Hur report said. “At other times, however, Mr. Biden read his notes from classified meetings to Zwonitzer nearly word-for-word.”
Jordan also wants to schedule an interview with Zwonitzer to discuss the matter. He’s asking Zwonitzer to reach out to the committee by Feb. 23.
The chairmen of the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Ways and Means Committees are asking Attorney General Merrick Garland for the transcripts of President Joe Biden’s interviews with special counsel Robert Hur. On Thursday, Feb. 8, Hur submitted his final report on Biden’s handling of classified information found at his home and personal office.
Hur’s team determined that no criminal charges were warranted.
“We have also considered that, at trial, Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” Hur wrote.
Hur said that Biden couldn’t remember important dates during their interview, including when he was vice president.
The chairmen now want any documents, audio and video recordings related to:
The interview with the ghostwriter of Biden’s memoir, Mark Zwonitzer, with whom Biden shared classified information.
Documents related to Biden’s Dec. 11, 2015, call with then-Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
All communications between the Department of Justice, Office of the Special Counsel, the Executive Office of the President and Biden’s personal counsel.
The chairmen said they want this information for the impeachment inquiry into the president.
“There is concern that President Biden may have retained sensitive documents related to specific countries involving his family’s foreign business dealings,” the letter stated. “Further, we seek to understand whether the White House or President Biden’s personal attorneys placed any limitations or scoping restrictions during the interview that would have precluded a line of inquiry regarding evidence — emails, text messages or witness statements — directly linking the president to troublesome foreign payments.”
The lawmakers are asking for the materials by Monday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m.
Straight Arrow News reached out to Democrats on the Judiciary Committee and the Justice Department for comment and will update if a response is received.
Supreme Court to hear arguments over Trump’s ballot eligibility: The Morning Rundown: Feb. 8, 2024
The case to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot heads to the Supreme Court. And Disney has its sights set on the video game industry with an Epic announcement. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024.
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Trump and his team are arguing Section 3 does not apply to Trump for several reasons, saying the provision does not cover the president, that his actions leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, do not constitute an insurrection, and that Congress, not state or federal courts, enforces the clause.
As the future of the 2024 presidential election hangs in the balance, Trump’s name remains on the ballot in Colorado and Maine, where his candidacy is also being contested. Both sides have asked the court to move swiftly. When the justices issue their decision, it will be historic, as the Supreme Court has never before made a ruling directly concerning the 155-year-old clause.
Special counsel concludes investigation of Biden classified documents
A report is expected to be released soon to lawmakers and the public after the White House reviews it for potential executive privilege issues. Classified documents were found in Biden’s Washington D.C. office, which he used after serving as vice president, and at his home in Delaware.
The president has denied any wrongdoing. Multiple media outlets suggest Hur’s report is not likely to recommend any charges. Garland said he is committed to making as much of the report public as possible.
Senate Republicans block bipartisan bill on border security, foreign aid
Efforts to pass legislation over additional aid to Ukraine and Israel will continue in Congress on Thursday, Feb. 8. Senate Democrats plan to hold a vote to advance a standalone foreign aid bill after Republicans rejected the $118 billion bipartisan package that included immigration policies on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Five Democrats joined the majority of Republicans in voting against the bill. Only 4 of the Senate’s 49 Republicans vote for it. Senate Republicans argued the bill did not do enough to address the border crisis, with former President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson both coming out against the package.
Officials said the latest strike was part of the retaliatory actions authorized by President Biden following the killing of three U.S. soldiers at a base in Jordan in January. In a statement, U.S. Central Command said the U.S. will continue to take “necessary action to protect our people.” It added there are “no indications of collateral damage or civilian casualties at this time.”
Search efforts on for 5 Marines on board missing helicopter found in California
Search and rescue efforts are well underway for five U.S. Marines in California after the helicopter they were in went missing during what the military called a routine training flight from Nevada to San Diego overnight on Tuesday, Feb. 6.
“All we know right now is that the search is ongoing for, for the helicopter and the crew,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. “Obviously, our hopes are of the best here. But this was a MH-53, Marine Corps, MH-53, a large helicopter that was on its way from Creech Air Force Base to San Diego. And that’s really all we know. We’re watching this closely. And and again, our thoughts are for the best.”
According to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was reported “overdue” at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. The military announced that it located the aircraft but not the crew in a mountainous region at 9:08 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Local media outlets reported that the helicopter was located by a drone at 5,800 feet in a rugged area with the weather likely impacting rescue efforts from the ground. Heavy cloud cover on Wednesday morning, Feb. 7, prevented the local sheriff’s department from sending its helicopter up.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection told CBS that nothing was located at the location, which is reportedly being hit with heavy snow. According to reports, before going missing, the helicopter’s last-known location was reported at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6. There is still no sign of the crew, President Biden has been briefed on the situation, according to a White House spokesperson.
Biden interviewed in special counsel’s classified documents probe
President Joe Biden has been interviewed by special counsel Robert Hur as part of an investigation into his handling of classified documents before he was elected. According to the White House, the interview occurred over two days: Sunday, Oct.8, and Monday, Oct. 9.
The voluntary interview was a part of the special counsel’s probe, which began when documents from Biden’s time as a U.S. Senator were found in his home in Delaware and his private office in Washington D.C. The interview may be a sign that the investigation is nearing its end.
“As we have said from the beginning, the President and the White House are cooperating with this investigation, and as it has been appropriate, we have provided relevant updates publicly, being as transparent as we can consistent with protecting and preserving the integrity of the investigation,” Ian Sams, spokesperson for the White House, said in a statement. “We would refer other questions to the Justice Department at this time.”
In January 2023, Biden told reporters that the documents found in his home and office were given to the National Archives and the Justice Department.
This probe marks the third recent Justice Department investigation into handling classified documents. In June 2023, former President Donald Trump was charged after the National Archives retrieved 15 boxes containing sensitive government documents form his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.
Also in June, former Vice President Mike Pence’s team got word from the DOJ that it would not file criminal charges after close to a dozen classified documents were found in his home in Indiana.
According to an ABC News report, sources say the investigation into Biden’s handling of sensitive government documents could wrap up by the end of the year.
Special counsel requests interview with Biden on classified documents: Report
There are reports of movement in the Justice Department’s classified documents case, but not the one against former President Donald Trump. This update concerns the case looking into President Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents.
In response to the federal indictment of Trump’s handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, the former president asked on social media in June where Biden’s charges were given classified documents were found in his possession too.
The Republican Party followed suit calling the indictment a double standard. But as of Friday, Aug. 11, NBC News reported that there is now an update on the Biden case.
Sources say special counsel Robert Hur has requested an interview with the sitting president. Attorneys for Biden say they have been negotiating with the special counsel for about a month over terms of the proposed interview, such as when and where the interview might take place as well as what sort of questions are coming the president’s way.
The investigation has been going on for eight months, and an interview is often seen as one of the last steps in the process.
The documents found in Biden’s care were largely from his time as vice president. They were discovered at an office Biden used after his time as vice president and in the garage at his home in Delaware.
In Trump’s classified documents case, the former president was indicted on 37 counts and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
