Article Summary –
Robert Hur, a special counsel investigating Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents, has faced backlash from Democrats after releasing a report detailing the president’s alleged mishandling of classified material. Having concluded his work, Hur is set to testify in Congress as a private citizen. Republicans have criticized Hur’s decision not to prosecute Biden, with some comparing Biden’s case to that of Donald Trump, who is facing criminal charges over his handling of classified documents in a separate investigation.
Robert Hur’s Special Counsel Probe into Joe Biden’s Handling of Classified Documents
As Robert Hur initiated his special counsel investigation into Joe Biden’s management of classified information, he was recognized as a skilled federal prosecutor experienced in managing complex, high-profile inquiries.
After a year of near silence, Hur released a report outlining Biden’s alleged mishandling of classified documents. This move led to substantial backlash from Democrats, including Biden himself. Hur, appointed previously by Donald Trump, was a former US attorney.
Tuesday’s congressional testimony brings Hur’s background and how it may have influenced his investigation into the limelight again. Following the conclusion of his work last week, Hur has left the Justice Department and will testify as a private citizen.
In the past, Hur has come across as personable and at ease before friendly audiences. He has been known to stick to prepared remarks and not face any questions.
Rod Rosenstein defended Hur, stating controversy surrounding special counsel reports is common because they often contain adverse information about the suspect and opinions that are free to question.
Hur’s professional history includes being a law clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist and federal appellate judge, Alex Kozinski. He graduated from Stanford Law School in 2001 and was appointed special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in January 2023.
Hur was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to serve as the US attorney in Maryland after being nominated by Trump. He played a pivotal role in several high-profile cases, including a scandal involving then-Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh.
After his tenure as US attorney, Hur served as the principal associate deputy attorney general with the Justice Department, acting as a liaison for Rosenstein with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Over the past year, Hur has been investigating classified documents found at Biden’s home and private office from his time as vice president. Hur was perceived as a thorough investigator during the probe.
Hur’s thoroughness was described as being methodical by a lawyer representing a witness in the investigation. However, Democrats criticized Hur after the release of his report.
After the public release of the report, Hur was accused of taking cheap shots at Biden’s age by Democrats. Biden himself refuted Hur’s depiction of him, asserting his competence and accomplishments as president.
Republican lawmakers have criticized Hur for not prosecuting Biden, drawing parallels with Trump’s case. Yet, Hur maintained the distinct differences between the two cases.
Trump addressed the report during a campaign speech, stating that Biden got off “scot-free.” A pro-Trump super PAC claimed that the decision not to prosecute demonstrated a two-tiered justice system.
Rosenstein stressed that public outcry over the special counsel’s report is expected, and applauded the comprehensive analysis Hur carried out on whether Biden’s actions warranted prosecution.
While the facts of Hur’s report and the overall process haven’t been contested, Hur is expected to face tough inquiries from congressional members on his final decisions.
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