NARA Delay in Release of Biden Photos Contrasts Starkly with Treatment of Trump

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is facing scrutiny for delaying the release of photos featuring Joe Biden with his son’s business associates until after the 2024 election was concluded.

Contrasting with its aggressive actions against Donald Trump, NARA's handling of Biden’s records has sparked allegations of unequal treatment, as Breitbart reports.

These contentious photos depict then-Vice President Joe Biden in meetings with a group of Hunter Biden's business contacts in China, though they were not disclosed until legal action by the America First Legal Foundation forced NARA's hand in 2022.

Chronology Of Trump’s Records Controversy

Donald Trump faced significant legal challenges from NARA over his retention of presidential documents after he left the White House. Accusations of improperly holding records led to threats of federal prosecution under the Presidential Records Act.

In 2021, NARA warned Trump’s representatives about possible legal actions, including referrals to the Justice Department and notifications to Congress, escalating the stakes considerably.

At the direction of the Biden administration, NARA facilitated an FBI review of the disputed documents, which eventually supported claims that Trump had not returned all necessary records, culminating in a high-profile FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago property.

Delayed Disclosure of Biden Photographs Scrutinized

Unlike the proactive measures taken against Trump, NARA handled Biden's photographs differently, releasing them only after the election -- a move criticized by various observers.

The foundation claimed, “Lawyers and representatives for President Biden and President [Barack] Obama delayed NARA’s release of these photographs, as they did with other records, until after Election Day.”

These actions have led to public debate over whether NARA practices favoritism based on political affiliation, especially given the implications of the photos that suggest potential influence-peddling by the Biden family during the Obama administration.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

The handling of these records has significant implications for public trust in how presidential records are managed. The differing approaches to Trump and Biden’s records underscore ongoing concerns about consistency and impartiality in government processes.

The eventual release of Biden’s photographs has raised questions about transparency and accountability, particularly regarding high-profile figures across the political spectrum.

This incident illustrates the complex nature of managing presidential records and the potential influence of politics on decisions made by national archival institutions.