Robert Gates, the secretary of defense under former President Barack Obama, criticized the mishandling of classified materials by ex-government officials, after various sets of documents were recently found in the homes of President Biden, former President Trump and former Vice President Pence.
During an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Gates said it is irresponsible of anyone leaving office to hold onto classified documents, amid the ongoing investigation into President Biden’s handling of Obama-era material.
“I think it’s about people being more responsible,” Gates told the reporter. “I think there’s an element of carelessness. In some cases there may be intent to take the documents. I think maybe we ought to look at the way transitions take place, so that there’s a more orderly process for these classified documents.”
In recent months, classified materials appear to be washing up one after the other, beginning in August when documents were found in Donald Trump’s…
