Newly declassified documents have exposed a covert effort by former Vice President Joe Biden to suppress intelligence detailing concerns about his family’s alleged involvement in corrupt business dealings in Ukraine. The records, disclosed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, reveal that Biden directly requested an intelligence report on these matters be withheld.
The classified materials, obtained during a CIA review of historical records, include an email from February 2016 stating that Biden “strongly preferred” the report not be disseminated. The document, marked as “SECRET,” was redacted but confirmed to have been suppressed at Biden’s request. Intelligence officials noted that the report met dissemination standards but was never shared beyond the CIA due to the Office of the Vice President’s intervention.
The findings highlight a significant breach of protocol, with a senior CIA official describing the action as “extremely rare and inappropriate” for political reasons. The intelligence in question alleged Ukrainian officials viewed Biden’s family ties to corruption as evidence of a “double standard” within U.S. government priorities.
CIA Director Ratcliffe labeled the incident an example of “politicization of intelligence,” emphasizing the gravity of the suppression. No immediate response was provided by Biden’s representatives to the disclosures.