USA (Washington Insider Magazine)— The classified documents investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Hur nearing conclusion after casting a wide net that included dozens of witnesses during the ten-month-long probe. Over two days, the questioning by Hur and his team marks a significant development in the ten-month-long investigation involving dozens of witnesses.
White House Cooperation and Details of the Interview
The White House confirmed the interview, which had been scheduled weeks in advance, but declined to provide details, including whether executive privilege was invoked. This interview is the first major public update in several months.
Timeline and Possible Outcomes
According to CNN, sources close to the investigation suggest that Hur aims to complete the investigation by the end of the year. While it is unclear whether any charges will be filed, several familiar with the investigators’ inquiries feel it is improbable, citing a lack of major grand jury action.
Final Report Expectations
The Justice Department has pointed out that Hur will issue a comprehensive final report detailing his findings. This report will provide an in-depth account of the investigation’s scope and methodology.
Origins and Scope of the Investigation
Hur was appointed in January after secret documents were found at Biden’s former office in the Penn Biden Center in Washington, DC, and his home in Wilmington, Delaware. Hur’s investigation hasn’t garnered as much coverage in the media as the prominent one looking into the handling of private information by former President Donald Trump.
Biden Aides’ Frustrations
Some senior Biden advisers have expressed frustration with the investigation’s protracted nature, believing that the modest number of documents involved would lead to a quicker decision. Certain advisers believe that Attorney General Merrick Garland chose Hur too carefully to maintain the political objectivity of the probe.
Broad Spectrum of Witnesses Interviewed
Hur’s team has interviewed a wide range of witnesses, including longtime advisors, former White House legal and communications aides, and individuals involved in packing up Biden’s vice-presidential office. They have also reached out to people who worked with Biden during his Senate tenure, as some of the classified documents date back to that period.
Investigative Challenges
A significant aspect of Hur’s investigation involves the handling of classified documents during Biden’s Senate years, confronting complex issues like Senate constitutional protections that limit DOJ interviews without coordination. The resolution of these issues remains unclear.
Thorough and Methodical Approach
Witnesses describe Hur’s investigation as meticulous, focusing on detailed interviews and extensive document tracing to establish a clear chain of custody for the classified materials. This thoroughness has sometimes involved re-interviewing witnesses and requesting additional documents.
Ongoing Focus on Multiple Issues
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not disclose whether Biden answered all questions or invoked executive privilege, stressing the President’s focus on handling multiple issues simultaneously, including the recent conflict in Israel.
