A clip from November of former Vice President Mike Pence saying he did not take any classified documents from the White House has resurfaced after reports that one of Pence’s lawyers discovered a dozen classified documents at Pence’s home in Indiana last week.
“The classified documents were discovered at Pence’s new home in Carmel, Indiana, by a lawyer for Pence in the wake of the revelations about classified material discovered in President Joe Biden’s private office and residence, the sources said. The discovery comes after Pence has repeatedly said he did not have any classified documents in his possession,” CNN reported. “The FBI and the Justice Department’s National Security Division have launched a review of the documents and how they ended up in Pence’s house in Indiana.”
It is not yet known what the documents are about or their level of classification. According to the report, “Pence asked his lawyer with experience handling classified material to conduct the search of his home out of an abundance of caution. Sources said that the attorney, Matt Morgan, began going through four boxes stored at Pence’s house last week, finding a small number of documents with classified markings.”
In November, Pence was asked on ABC News’ “World News Tonight” by host David Muir whether he had taken any classified documents.
Pence responded, “I did not.”
“Do you see any reason for anyone to take classified documents with them, leaving the White House?” Muir asked.
“Well, there’d be no reason to have classified documents, particularly if they were in an unprotected area,” Pence responded. “But I will tell you that I believe there had to be many better ways to resolve that issue than executing a search warrant at the personal residence of a former President of the United States.”
“Executing a search warrant against a former President of the United States, for the first time in history, sent the wrong message to the wider world,” Pence added. “I hope that the Justice Department will think carefully about next steps in that light.”
”And do you hope that future presidents are also careful with the message they’re sending if they take classified documents with them from the White House?” Muir asked.
“Of course,” Pence responded.
FLASHBACK:
Muir: "Did you take any classified documents with you from the white house?"
Pence: "I did not."
Muir: "Do you see any reason for anyone to take classified docs from the White House."
Pence: "There would be no reason." pic.twitter.com/VsUUntiwU1
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 24, 2023