Special Counsel Robert Hur is set to testify on Capitol Hill regarding his findings on President Joe Biden’s mishandling of classified documents. Hur’s report, released in February, did not recommend criminal charges against Biden but described him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory.” This description has raised concerns for Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign.
The report revealed that Biden retained classified documents related to military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and other countries, as well as records on national security and foreign policy. Hur stated that these documents implicated “sensitive intelligence sources and methods.” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has called for Hur to testify about his investigation into President Biden.
Despite not recommending charges, Biden has faced criticism for his handling of classified records and his memory lapses. He has defended himself, stating that his memory is fine and that he is the most qualified person to be president. Biden also took offense to Hur’s suggestion that he did not remember when his son Beau died.
However, sources familiar with the investigation have revealed that it was Biden himself who brought up Beau’s death in the interview, not the special counsel. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jordan, along with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, have demanded the Justice Department turn over the transcript and any recordings of Biden’s interview.
The three committee leaders are leading the impeachment inquiry against Biden and have subpoenaed the materials. The Justice Department has not yet turned over the transcripts or audio recordings, leading to frustration from the committee. They argue that the materials are crucial in determining if Biden’s retention of sensitive documents was used to benefit his family’s foreign business dealings.
The Justice Department has stated that they are in touch with the committees and plan to respond to their subpoenas. However, they believe the subpoena is premature and unnecessary, given the information the committee has already received and the department’s proactive efforts to respond to congressional requests.
In conclusion, the fallout from the special counsel’s report on Biden’s mishandling of classified documents continues, with Hur expected to testify on Capitol Hill. While no criminal charges were recommended, concerns have been raised about Biden’s memory and his retention of sensitive materials. The House Judiciary Committee is demanding access to the transcripts and audio recordings of Biden’s interview with Hur as part of their impeachment inquiry. The Justice Department has expressed disappointment with the committee’s subpoena, calling it premature and unnecessary.
