President Joe Biden voluntarily participated in an interview conducted by the independent prosecutor’s team investigating his handling of classified documents while out of office, the White House confirmed on Monday night.
The interview took place over two days at the White House, on Sunday and Monday, and concluded on Monday, according to White House spokesman Ian Sams. Sams emphasized that the President and the White House have been cooperating with the investigation from the beginning and providing relevant updates publicly while striving to protect the integrity of the investigation. He referred further inquiries to the Department of Justice.
Multiple sources familiar with the matter revealed that the special counsel, Robert Hur, oversaw and participated in President Biden’s interview, which had been scheduled weeks ago. However, Hur’s office declined to comment. Sources who spoke to ABC News believe that the interview indicates that the probe is nearing its end.
Despite the progress in the investigation, sources suggest that the timing for the completion of the probe and the writing of a report is not imminent. The sources project that it could be wrapped up by the end of the year.
Last month, ABC News reported that the federal investigation into Biden’s handling of sensitive government records has expanded into an examination of security protocols during the Obama era and the internal processes of the White House. Investigators have interviewed numerous witnesses as part of this sprawling examination.
Special counsel Robert Hur was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to lead the investigation into President Biden. Hur has vowed to conduct a fair and impartial investigation, ensuring a thorough examination of the facts without any bias.
The issue of classified documents in Biden’s possession first emerged in January. It was revealed that such documents had been found at Biden’s personal office after his tenure as vice president. Subsequently, his personal attorney informed investigators that additional classified records were discovered in the garage of Biden’s Delaware home. This development led to the Justice Department appointing a special counsel, as sources told ABC News earlier this year.
In total, approximately 25 documents marked as classified were found in locations associated with President Biden. Despite this, Biden has downplayed his legal exposure, stating that the documents had been filed in the wrong place and that he was cooperating with the National Archives and the Justice Department.
President Biden remains confident that the investigation will find nothing of significance in relation to his handling of classified documents.
– ABC News’ Mary Bruce, Pierre Thomas, Alexander Mallin, Luke Barr, and Katherine Faulders contributed to this report.