Watchdog Files Ethics Complaint Over White House Lawyers In Biden Docs Scandal

Daniel ChaitinJanuary 17, 2023

A government watchdog group filed an ethics complaint over President Joe Biden’s use of White House lawyers in response to the controversy over his handling of classified documents.

Protect the Public’s Trust sent a letter Tuesday to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, calling for an investigation to examine whether Biden is misusing his public office for his own private gain.

“Specifically, we believe taxpayer resources may have been inappropriately used by senior White House lawyers, including Special Counsel to the President Richard Sauber, to personally benefit Joe Biden,” the complaint states.

“We further believe that the apparent representation of Mr. Biden by the White House Counsel’s Office in this matter creates an untenable conflict of interest for that office,” The complaint also adds. “The result, intended or not, could be to reduce transparency into the mishandling of state secrets and foreclose disclosure of communications between White House Counsel staff while acting on behalf of Joe Biden in his capacity as a citizen facing the prospect of criminal prosecution.”

The letter first reported by Fox News, is also addressed to the Justice Department’s chief of the Public Integrity Section and the White House counsel.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Robert Hur, a former U.S. Attorney, has been appointed as special counsel in an investigation into whether there was a conspiracy. any violations of law In connection with classified documents that were found in an office in Washington, D.C., as well as in his Wilmington, Delaware home. House Republicans also began an investigation into the growing scandal the Justice Department.

Some documents are included in the collection. have “top secret” materials, date back to Biden’s time as vice president. The discovery of the first batch, which was found in early November, was made public only last week. As more information came to light, Bob Bauer, one of Biden’s personal attorneys, released a timeline of their activities. Sauber, whom White House hired last year As special counsel to President to investigate GOP-led investigations in Congress. Multiple statements were also issued offering additional details.

On Friday, Sauber stated he personally traveled to Biden’s home in Wilmington on Thursday to “facilitate” the transfer of a document with classified markings to the Justice Department because he had a security clearance, whereas Biden’s personal attorneys did not. Sauber said five additional pages While he was transferring the original document from Justice Department officials, he discovered that it contained classified markings. “accompanied” him. Sauber insists the White House is “fully” Collaboration with the National Archives and Justice Department

After being appointed special counsel for Garland, Hur released a brief statement He should be praised for his independence.

“I will conduct the assigned investigation with fair, impartial, and dispassionate judgment,” He said. “I intend to follow the facts swiftly and thoroughly, without fear or favor, and will honor the trust placed in me to perform this service.”