Snopes CEO Blames U.S. Government for Hunter Biden Laptop Censorship

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Snopes CEO Chris Richmond accused the U.S. government of censoring the Hunter Biden laptop story during an MSNBC interview on Saturday, shifting blame away from fact-checkers. The controversy resurfaced as President-elect Biden vowed to revoke the security clearances of 51 former national security officials who dismissed the laptop as Russian disinformation.

The Hunter Biden laptop story first broke in October 2020 when The New York Post reported obtaining emails linking Hunter Biden to Ukrainian energy company Burisma. The emails allegedly showed Hunter introducing his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, to a Burisma executive. Shortly after the report, 51 former national security officials signed a public letter claiming the laptop had “all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation,” despite admitting they had no evidence of Russian involvement.

Many of the letter’s signatories, including former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan, became frequent cable news commentators. Clapper, in his 2019 book “Facts and Fears,” asserted that Russia influenced the 2016 election, while Brennan has used his MSNBC platform to criticize former President Donald Trump and express concerns about Republican sympathy for Russia.

Brennan, during a February 2024 MSNBC appearance, accused Trump of being “sympathetic” and “intimidated” by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also lamented what he called growing pro-Russia sentiment among Republicans, stating, “I’m sure Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave right now.”

Despite the letter’s claims, federal investigators reportedly knew as early as December 2019 that Hunter Biden’s laptop was authentic and contained reliable evidence. An IRS whistleblower involved in the probe revealed that investigators were “obstructed” from accessing all available information, contradicting the narrative pushed by the 51 officials and President Biden.

When asked if they regretted signing the letter, Clapper and other signatories stood by their decision. “No,” Clapper responded, maintaining his stance despite the laptop’s authenticity being confirmed.

The controversy has reignited debates over media bias, government transparency, and the role of intelligence officials in shaping public opinion. Fox News‘ Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.