White House Blaming AG Garland for Negative Biden Report

The White House has reportedly expressed frustration with Attorney General Merrick Garland, with sources informing Politico that President Biden believes Garland should have exerted more control over Special Counsel Robert Hur before the release of Hur's report, which criticized Biden's mental acuity.

According to Politico reporters Jonathan Lemire and Sam Stein, Biden has conveyed to aides and external advisors his dissatisfaction with Garland's perceived lack of action in reigning in the special counsel's report.

White House allegedly blames Garland for damning Special Counsel claims about Biden: Report https://t.co/QfSke8vSuF

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 10, 2024

The report, while absolving Biden of wrongdoing in his handling of classified documents, included descriptions of his "poor memory," prompting the administration, Democratic Party figures, and pro-Biden voices in the media to engage in damage control efforts.

Sources close to the president, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Biden and his inner circle believe Hur exceeded his mandate and provided misleading descriptions in the report. The administration has partially attributed blame to Garland for the situation.

Garland appointed Hur as the special counsel over a year ago to investigate Biden's handling of classified documents dating back to the Obama administration.

The investigation intensified after a second cache of documents was discovered in Biden's Delaware home.

While Garland emphasized that the special counsel would operate independently, Biden and his advisors argue that Garland should have insisted on revisions to Hur's report, particularly regarding descriptions of Biden's memory lapses.

The strained relationship between Biden and Garland extends beyond the Hur report. Biden reportedly criticized the length of the investigation into his son, Hunter Biden, expressing concern that prolonged scrutiny could exacerbate Hunter's personal challenges.

Biden has voiced frustration with Garland's handling of investigations into former President Trump, lamenting perceived delays.

The Politico report suggests growing tension between Biden and Garland, with implications for Garland's future in the administration. Despite these frictions, neither the White House nor the Department of Justice has publicly commented on the matter.

As the relationship between Biden and Garland faces scrutiny, observers speculate on potential implications for Garland's tenure as attorney general, especially in the context of a potential second term for Biden.