President Declines to Assert Privilege
The White House has completed its privilege review in the investigation regarding President Biden’s improper retention of classified records. The review, which was concluded on Thursday morning, found that the President would not assert privilege over any portion of the report.
Special Counsel Investigating Biden
Since last year, Special Counsel Rob Hur has been investigating the allegations against President Biden. The initial discovery of classified documents took place in November 2022 at the Washington, D.C. offices of the Penn Biden Center think tank. The public was only informed about this in early January 2023. Subsequently, more classified records were found in the President’s garage in Delaware, leading to the appointment of Hur as special counsel in January 2023.
Double Standard Controversy
There has been criticism from Republicans and allies of former President Trump, who argue that the Justice Department has shown a double standard in its treatment of Biden compared to Trump. While investigating Trump’s alleged improper retention of classified records at Mar-a-Lago, the Justice Department was also conducting an internal review of President Biden’s mishandling of classified records. However, this review and the discovery of classified records at Biden’s office were not disclosed to the public until January.
Trump’s Charges
As part of the investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith into Trump’s alleged retention of classified records, the former President has been charged with 37 felony counts, including willful retention of national defense information, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and false statements. Trump has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial beginning on May 20.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
