Staff Reports
The Biden administration has a propensity for mishandling classified documents, and their most recent problem involves Robert Malley, Joe Biden's special envoy for Iran. Malley had his security clearance recently revoked and was placed on unpaid leave pending a State Department security investigation. This raises significant concerns regarding the manner in which the Biden team has handled the matter and whether they have misled Congress and the American public.
Biden Admin Has Another Classified Doc Problem – This Time Involving 'Lack of Candor' and Iran https://t.co/5xcGLFs0yX
— RedState (@RedState) July 4, 2023
Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed concern not only about Malley's alleged malfeasance but also about the State Department's failure to respond to the committee's oversight requests. Since April, the committee has been requesting Malley's testimony, but the Department has not yet complied. McCaul accuses the Department of dishonesty and even possible illegal misinformation.
As usual, the State Department is not very forthcoming. They will only state they do not remark on congressional correspondence and Malley is "on leave." Senator Bill Haggerty is justified in asking why Malley was permitted to continue in his diplomatic function while under investigation and when the Biden team first became aware of the issue. Haggerty also queries why Malley was chosen for this sensitive position in the first place, given his history of ties to extremist organizations and his problematic worldview.
It is becoming evident that the Biden campaign has a serious problem holding anyone accountable for their actions. It is puzzling that they deemed it necessary to revoke Malley's security clearance and launch an investigation, but failed to inform Congress. This raises questions about what they observed that prompted them to take such action and whether it reflects negatively on Malley and his suitability for the position.
Malley has been the leading proponent of an agreement with Iran, and he holds some troubling views. In a proposed nuclear agreement, he has been accused of granting significant concessions to the Iranian regime. This agreement could provide Iran with billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for temporary limitations on their alleged nuclear weapons program. Malley has also advocated for normalizing relations with state sponsors of terrorism, including Hezbollah, Iran's principal strategic partner.
This is not the first time that Malley has engaged in dubious conduct. In 2021, it was reported that he and John Kerry met with Iranians during the Trump administration in an effort to undermine the Trump administration and collaborate with individuals Iran anticipated would regain power. This raises concerns about a possible Logan Act violation. Kerry and Malley were both awarded positions in the Biden administration despite these issues.
Evidently, the Biden administration has a pattern of mishandling classified documents and making dubious personnel decisions. These issues cast significant doubt on their ability to handle national security matters and safeguard the interests of the American people effectively. The time has come for accountability and openness, but it appears that the Biden team is more concerned with deflecting and concealing the truth.
