Joe Biden won’t face charges in classified documents probe
- Special Counsel ends investigation into the handling of classified documents by President Biden and aides
- Former president Donald Trump is facing charges involving alleged mishandling of classified documents
The US Justice Department won’t file charges against US President Joe Biden over his handling of classified documents found in his private home and office, but an investigative report will be critical of his actions, a person familiar with the matter said.
Special Counsel Robert Hur, who was appointed last year by Attorney General Merrick Garland to lead the Biden documents probe, has wrapped up the investigation, according to the person, who asked not to be identified disclosing non-public information. Findings in the investigation report could be released this week, the person said on Tuesday.
The development removes a major legal and political weight hanging over Biden as he runs for re-election. Meanwhile, former president Donald Trump, who is the front runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is facing felony charges related to his retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
The decision not to charge Biden isn’t surprising because it involved seemingly innocent mishandling of classified papers that were uncovered and immediately handed over for investigation, according to Barbara McQuade, a former federal prosecutor.
“Trump’s case is completely different because of his wilful refusal to return the documents,” McQuade said. “And the cover up.”