US President Joe Biden has been interviewed as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents found at his home and former private office, according to a statement from the White House. This development comes in the wake of a furor over secret papers dating from Biden’s time as vice president, which prompted the US attorney general to appoint Special Counsel Robert Hur to lead the investigation earlier this year.
The White House confirmed that the “voluntary interview” with President Biden took place at the White House on Sunday and Monday, emphasizing their cooperation with the investigation from the outset. They also noted their commitment to transparency while ensuring the integrity of the ongoing probe.
The investigation revolves around documents discovered in the possession of President Biden, who served as vice president under Barack Obama when the papers were allegedly removed from the White House. The initial discovery of these records occurred in November 2022 in a private think tank office where the president used to work in Washington. Subsequently, more documents were found in the president’s Wilmington, Delaware garage on December 20 and in his home library on January 12.
Former President Donald Trump, who is a likely Republican contender in the 2024 election, is facing a separate trial over alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving office. Special Counsel Jack Smith has accused Trump of taking classified documents to his Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida and refusing to return them. Trump pleaded not guilty to charges including unlawfully retaining national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements.
The prosecutor in Trump’s case has requested a 2024 trial date, adding to the legal challenges that the former president is currently facing. These include charges related to attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to President Biden. Some Republicans have attempted to draw parallels between the Trump and Biden document cases.
In addition to these developments, President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, is under scrutiny in yet another special counsel probe. This investigation focuses on allegations of tax fraud and gun possession, further adding to the political landscape as the 2024 election cycle approaches.
The investigations into both presidents and Hunter Biden are expected to remain prominent topics in the coming months, with potential legal and political implications that could shape the course of US politics. The outcomes of these investigations may have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved.