US President Joe Biden (80) is in trouble. A few days ago it became known that he stored secret documents in private rooms. He had recently criticized his predecessor Donald Trump (76) for also carrying secret documents.
What is Biden blooming now? Blick answers the most important questions about the documents affair.
Where were the documents found?
A document was found in a closet in a former US president’s office at the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement in Washington. Others were found in the garage at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, where his dark green vintage 1967 Corvette is parked. The documents date from the time when Biden was vice president under Barack Obama (61).
What documents are they?
How they got there and what they contain is not officially known. A White House official spoke of “less than a dozen” documents, none of which were “particularly sensitive” and “of major interest to the intelligence community.” According to media reports, other states are involved – such as Ukraine, Iran and Great Britain. There should also be a folder labeled “VP Personal” under it. The White House says it gave the documents to the National Archives after they were found.
Why is this find so explosive?
Because of two reasons. The first documents were found on November 2, 2022, just days before the important midterm elections on November 8. Was the information only now so as not to jeopardize the election? The second reason concerns ex-president Donald Trump (76). Thousands of documents — including about 300 classified ones — were also found on his Florida property. Biden accused him of “irresponsibly” handling classified government documents.
How does Biden respond?
His reaction seems awkward. He was “surprised to learn that government documents had been brought to this office”. While he said he was “fully cooperating” with US law enforcement, he also said his Corvette was in a locked garage and not anywhere on the street. Biden’s team’s communication policy has also been criticized. Withholding information goes against the president’s promise of transparency.
Should Biden go to jail?
Whether Biden is in serious legal trouble may depend on the contents of the documents. Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland (70) has announced that a special investigator will investigate the case. By comparison, Trump’s criminal offenses include obstruction of justice, loss of classified information, and removal or destruction of official records. All counts are punishable by several years’ imprisonment.
What are the political ramifications for Biden?
The finds come at a stupid moment for him. He is about to announce whether he will run for a second term in the 2024 presidential election. He was actually doing well after a long dry spell in domestic politics, but the finds could do him and his party massive damage .
How does Trump react?
Biden’s predecessor responded enthusiastically. He said: “When will the FBI raid Joe Biden’s many homes, maybe even the White House? These documents have certainly not been released.” His chances for the presidency are increasing again.