US President Joe Biden
United States: The Department of Justice on Wednesday, 1 February 2023, conducted a planned search of Joe Biden’s Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home as part of its investigation into the potential mishandling of classified documents.
“No documents with classified markings were found,” attorney Bob Bauer said in a statement after the latest search of the president’s belongings for improperly stored documents.
“Consistent with the process in Wilmington, the DOJ took for further review some materials and handwritten notes that appear to relate to his time as Vice President,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Archives has reportedly asked all former US presidents and vice presidents to search their personal records for classified documents or other presidential material that should have been turned over when they left office.
It is notable that it is unlawful to knowingly or willfully remove or retain classified material. Although no current or former president or vice president has been charged with wrongdoing.
The issue has created a political headache for Biden, who is expected to announce a re-election campaign in the coming weeks or months.
Prior investigation & its results
The search comes amid a special counsel investigation into several classified documents which were discovered at Biden’s home in Wilmington, Delaware, and private office in Washington D.C. late last year and in January.
The documents found last year at Biden’s home and office reportedly included US intelligence memos and briefing materials dated between 2013 and 2016 related to Ukraine, Iran, and the UK, when he was vice president.
Former President Donald Trump, who is also under investigation over his handling of classified documents and his Florida residence was searched by FBI agents in August, wrote on social media shortly after the findings, “When is the FBI going to raid the many homes of Joe Biden, perhaps even the White House? These documents were definitely not declassified.”
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