DOJ: Biden Kept Classified Docs, Probe Closed – Memory Issues

Department of Justice Special Counsel Robert Hur released a scathing report Thursday, concluding a year-long investigation into President Joe Biden’s handling of classified materials. The investigation, initiated by Attorney General Merrick Garland, scrutinized Biden’s retention of classified documents during his tenure as a private citizen.

Hur, a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland appointed by Garland in January 2023, served as the lead investigator. His report alleges that Biden “willfully” retained classified materials, including documents related to Afghanistan and other records from the Obama-Biden administration. However, despite finding evidence of misconduct, Hur did not recommend criminal charges against the president.

The report highlights Biden’s age and alleged memory issues as significant factors in the decision not to pursue charges. Hur expressed skepticism that a jury would convict an 81-year-old president, citing instances where Biden struggled to recall key details, such as the year his son Beau died. Hur also noted gaps in evidence and Biden’s belief that some documents were his personal property.

Biden fiercely criticized Hur’s remarks on his age and memory during a press conference, denouncing them as disrespectful. His personal attorney, Bob Bauer, and White House counsel, Richard Sauber, rebuked Hur in a letter, deeming his comments “entirely superfluous.”

Hur’s report drew comparisons to another high-profile case under investigation by the DOJ: the prosecution of former President Donald Trump for alleged mishandling of White House documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Hur argued that Biden’s case differs from Trump’s because Biden cooperated with the investigation, while Trump allegedly obstructed justice.

Prior to his appointment, Hur had a distinguished legal career, serving as a federal prosecutor, counsel to senior government officials, and partner at a prestigious law firm. He attended top-tier institutions such as Stanford and Harvard, with early clerkships for prominent conservative judges.

In addition to his role as special counsel, Hur made headlines for his representation of the National Football League in a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual and verbal harassment within the Washington Commanders organization. His involvement in high-profile cases underscores his reputation as a skilled legal strategist.

The conclusion of the investigation into Biden marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of government officials’ handling of classified information. Despite the absence of criminal charges, the report raises questions about accountability and the intersection of legal standards with considerations of age and memory in high-stakes investigations.

As the Biden administration continues to navigate challenges on multiple fronts, including legal inquiries and policy initiatives, the fallout from the investigation led by Hur is likely to reverberate in political and legal circles. The dynamics between executive authority, judicial oversight, and public perception will shape the broader implications of this investigation for the administration and the country at large.