The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been interviewed as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents discovered at his former private office and residence.
This investigation, led by Special Counsel Robert Hur, originated from concerns over secret papers dating back to Biden’s tenure as vice president. The interview, described as voluntary, occurred over the weekend at the White House.
The White House emphasized its cooperation with the investigation and its commitment to transparency while safeguarding the inquiry’s integrity. Further inquiries were directed to the Justice Department.
The investigation revolves around documents initially found in a private think tank office Biden once used in Washington in November 2022. Subsequently, more documents were discovered in Biden’s Wilmington, Delaware garage in December 2022 and in his home library in January 2023.
In a separate matter, former President Donald Trump, Biden’s potential Republican rival in the 2024 election, is facing a trial concerning the alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving office. Special Counsel Jack Smith has alleged that Trump took classified documents to his Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida and refused to return them. Trump pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawfully retaining national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and making false statements in June. The prosecutor has requested a trial in 2024, among other legal challenges Trump faces.
Republicans have drawn comparisons between the document-related cases involving Trump and Biden.
Meanwhile, Hunter Biden, the President’s son, is under investigation by another special counsel for alleged tax fraud and gun possession.