Special Counsel Robert Herr is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill next month regarding his report that examines President Biden's handling of classified documents and his mental fitness to serve. Revelations have emerged about how the White House plans to address the report's findings.
There appears to be a growing dispute between the White House and the Justice Department regarding the characterization of President Biden in the special counsel report. Herr stated that he would not pursue prosecution against Biden for mishandling classified documents due to concerns that a jury would perceive him as an elderly individual with poor memory.
In response to this, it has come to light that the White House counsel formally expressed dissatisfaction with these statements in writing to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The counsel objected to Herr's denigrating remarks about President Biden's memory, citing a violation of longstanding Department of Justice (DOJ) practice and policy. This written complaint from the White House counsel to the Attorney General is an extraordinary occurrence.
However, the Department of Justice swiftly responded to the White House's objection, asserting that Herr's report provides substantial details regarding the justifications for his decision not to prosecute President Biden. The report examines factors such as whether the President was aware that he possessed classified information and if he deliberately retained it. The DOJ further stated that the report adheres to the department's standards for public release.
The White House's sensitivity to this matter likely stems from recent public opinion polls that indicate a decline in confidence regarding President Biden's mental and physical stamina. A recent university poll reveals that only 32% of voters express confidence in Biden's overall mental and physical abilities, showing a significant drop of 20 points compared to four years ago.
Special Counsel Herr is expected to appear before the House Judiciary Committee on March 12th to provide testimony and further insights into his report. This hearing will offer an opportunity for Congress and the American public to gain a deeper understanding of the investigation's findings and implications.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the White House and the Justice Department will reconcile their differing views on the report's conclusions. The upcoming testimony from Special Counsel Herr is likely to shed more light on this divisive issue and may influence future actions taken by both parties involved.
