WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s interview with prosecutors over his handling of classified documents signals that a sprawling investigation that has…
President Joe Biden’s interview with prosecutors over his handling of classified documents signals that a sprawling investigation that has included questioning of some of his closest aides and at least one cabinet member is nearing a conclusion.
The White House revealed on Monday night that Biden was interviewed on Sunday and Monday by special counsel Robert Hur’s team, meaning that he was fielding questions from investigators during the same hours that his administration was consumed by the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. It’s a familiar dynamic for a president who over the last year has had to fulfill his duties as commander in chief while dealing with scrutiny over his own classified records retention and the legal problems of his recently indicted son, Hunter.
Investigators typically save interviews of key players for the final days of an investigation, a sign that Hur’s nine-month-old probe is likely near the end. Because Hur is a Justice Department special counsel, the conclusion of the probe will be accompanied by the release of a report laying out his team’s findings. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment Tuesday on the interview or when the investigation might end.
The investigation so far appears to present no legal jeopardy for Biden. There has been no public indication that he or anyone else in his orbit intentionally mishandled classified documents. In addition, Justice Department legal opinions have held that sitting presidents cannot be indicted.
But the political cloud surrounding the issue isn’t going anywhere. The investigation is on course to wrap up in the heart of Biden’s reelection campaign. And Republican front-runner Donald Trump, indicted by a different Justice Department special counsel over his own mishandling of classified documents, has repeatedly claimed Biden has received special treatment.
