Records reveal that Democratic donors disbursed at least $1.7 million to cover legal fees incurred by President Joe Biden during the investigation into his handling of classified documents.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) engaged a firm and an attorney on behalf of the president.
President Biden has criticized his likely election rival, former President Donald Trump, for utilizing donor funds to finance his legal expenses. Republicans swiftly accused Biden of hypocrisy, highlighting the apparent disparity between his stance and his actions.
A DNC spokesperson, Alex Floyd, defended the payments, asserting that they were distinct from Trump’s fundraising efforts for legal matters. Floyd emphasized that DNC funds allocated to the president’s legal team did not originate from grassroots donors but rather from the DNC’s legal account, primarily fueled by major contributors who had already reached donation limits.
Funds for legal representation
The funds were utilized for legal representation during a special counsel investigation into Biden’s handling and retention of classified materials, initiated in January 2023 and concluded earlier this year.
Despite findings that Biden “wilfully” retained extensive files, no charges were filed against him.
Following the investigation, the DNC, which has been vigorously fundraising for Biden’s re-election bid, directed approximately $1.7 million towards legal representation for the president, as per Federal Election Commission records.
A substantial portion, around $1 million, was allocated to Bob Bauer, Biden’s personal attorney, with the remainder going to a Boston law firm employing a lawyer involved in the classified documents inquiry.
While the DNC’s use of funds to cover the president’s legal expenses is not unprecedented, the amount expended is comparable to expenditures incurred during President Barack Obama’s first term.
In contrast, media reports indicate that Trump has expended over $100 million in donor contributions to address various legal challenges.
The revelation underscores ongoing debates surrounding the financing of legal proceedings by political parties and the differing approaches taken by presidential administrations in addressing legal matters.
