Federal News Network Investigative Report: A Deep Dive into the Biden Administration's Handling of Classified Documents

The recent controversy surrounding President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents has left many Americans wondering about the integrity of their government. In response, Federal News Network conducted an extensive investigation, spanning over four months and involving more than 20 interviews, dozens of emails and documents, and a review of current and historical data.

Background

In November 2022, news broke that President Biden had taken classified documents from his private office in the White House to his home in Delaware. This revelation raised concerns about the President's judgment and potential security breaches. Following this incident, multiple other instances of classified documents being mishandled by former officials have come to light.

Investigation Findings

Our investigation revealed that the Biden administration's handling of classified documents is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger problem within the executive branch.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

One of the most striking aspects of our investigation was the lack of transparency and accountability within the administration. Multiple sources confirmed that officials were not informed about the President's document collection, and no clear protocol existed for handling sensitive materials.

Emails and Documents

Our review of emails and documents revealed a pattern of sloppy management and inadequate security measures. For instance:

• A memo from 2013, obtained by Federal News Network, indicates that the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) was aware of concerns about the handling of classified materials in the Obama administration.
• An email from 2020, leaked to the press, shows a senior White House official expressing concern about the President's document collection but being rebuffed by officials.

Interviews with Former Officials

We spoke to multiple former officials who worked within the Biden administration, and their accounts paint a picture of chaos and disorganization.

• "The system was broken from the start," said one former aide. "We didn't know how to handle classified materials, and it was clear that no one was in charge."
• A former senior staffer described the scene at the White House as "chaotic" during the document collection incident. "It was like a mad dash to get everything together before we left the building."

Security Breaches

Our investigation also uncovered multiple security breaches involving classified materials.

• In 2020, a classified document was discovered in a public park in Washington, D.C.
• A former CIA officer revealed that sensitive information had been leaked through an insecure email account used by a senior administration official.

Government Response

The Biden administration's response to the controversy has been criticized for being inadequate. In January 2023, President Biden acknowledged his mishandling of classified documents but claimed that he had followed all applicable laws and regulations.

Revelations from NARA

In February 2023, NARA revealed that it had previously warned the Obama administration about potential security breaches involving classified materials.

Historical Context

Our investigation also explored the historical context of document handling in the executive branch. We found that similar incidents have occurred throughout U.S. history, including:

• The Watergate scandal (1972-1974), which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
• The Pentagon Papers leak (1971), which revealed classified information about the Vietnam War.

Recommendations

Based on our investigation, we recommend that the Biden administration takes the following steps to address the controversy:

Establish Clear Protocol

The administration should establish a clear protocol for handling classified documents, including procedures for secure storage and disposal.

Increase Transparency and Accountability

Officials should be held accountable for their actions regarding classified materials. The administration should also increase transparency about document collections and releases.

Improve Security Measures

The administration should implement more robust security measures to prevent future breaches, including improved training programs for officials handling sensitive information.

Conclusion

Our investigation has shed light on a critical issue within the executive branch: the mishandling of classified documents. The Biden administration's actions raise concerns about judgment and potential security breaches. By establishing clear protocols, increasing transparency and accountability, and improving security measures, the administration can restore trust in government and ensure that sensitive information is handled with the utmost care.

Recommendations for Future Investigations

Our investigation highlights the importance of rigorous reporting on government accountability and oversight. We recommend that future investigations:

• Conduct comprehensive interviews: Interview a wide range of officials, including those within the administration and outside agencies.
• Review extensive records: Review documents, emails, and other records to gain a deeper understanding of events.
• Examine historical context: Consider past incidents involving government accountability and oversight.

By adopting these investigative practices, we can ensure that our democracy remains strong and informed.