Special Counsel Report on Biden’s Handling of Classified Documents

No Criminal Charges Recommended

A newly released report by US special counsel Robert Hur concluded that President Joe Biden should not face criminal charges over his handling of classified documents, despite criticism of his actions.

Factors Considered in the Decision

The report highlighted Biden’s age and apparent memory issues as factors influencing the decision not to recommend charges. It stated that even if Department of Justice policy did not prohibit criminal charges against a sitting president, the conclusion would remain the same.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents began in January 2023, following a separate investigation into former President Donald Trump’s retention of classified materials after leaving office. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Hur to lead the inquiry after documents were discovered in Biden’s garage and non-White House office space.

Contrasting Cases of Biden and Trump

A significant distinction between Biden and Trump’s cases lies in their cooperation with investigators. While Trump reportedly resisted inquiries from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) regarding missing documents, Biden’s team proactively engaged with NARA after discovering classified materials in an offsite office.

Trump’s Indictment and Response

In contrast to Biden, Trump faced indictment in June 2023, charged with 37 felony counts related to false statements to investigators and mishandling documents. Trump’s resistance to fully comply with NARA’s requests ultimately led to a raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence by the FBI.

Presidential Primary Races

Despite ongoing primary seasons for both the Democratic and Republican parties, Biden and Trump maintain significant leads in their respective party’s presidential primary races. Their handling of the investigations and outcomes could potentially influence their standing in the primaries and the broader political landscape.