Former Intelligence Officials Stand By Letter on Hunter Biden Laptop, Declaring It 'Patriotic'

Despite the Hunter Biden laptop's introduction as evidence in his ongoing criminal trial, dozens of former intelligence officials who initially signed a letter warning of its potential as Russian disinformation remain unyielding in their views. While some have refused to retract or publicly remove their names, others have doubled down on the significance of their warning.

In the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, 51 former intelligence officials signed a letter that cast doubt on the authenticity of Hunter Biden's laptop. The laptop, first reported on by the New York Post, contained potentially damaging information about the younger Biden.

Despite the laptop's subsequent authentication by federal investigators and its entry into evidence in Hunter Biden's trial, many of the signatories stand by their initial assessment. Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, for instance, has declined to retract his support and remove his name from the letter.

On behalf of seven signatories, attorney Mark S. Zaid has staunchly defended the letter, asserting its importance as a warning against foreign interference in domestic affairs. "Every patriotic American should have signed that letter," he stated.

Other signatories have similarly defended their actions. Greg Treverton, former Chair of the National Intelligence Council, has maintained that the letter's message remains "true" and was based on their experience and observations.

However, not all signatories have maintained a consistent stance. Former CIA Director Michael Hayden hung up the phone when contacted by Fox News Digital, while former CIA chief of staff Larry Pfeiffer declined to comment.

The letter has been the subject of scrutiny, particularly due to its characterization in media headlines as a definitive declaration of the laptop's illegitimacy. Zaid attributes such headlines to journalistic practices, suggesting that "not even the writer of the story chooses the headline content."

The laptop's authenticity has been a contentious issue, with Democrats initially dismissing it as Russian disinformation. However, recent developments, including the authentication by federal investigators, have cast doubt on this claim.

In December 2019, federal investigators reportedly knew that the laptop was genuine and contained reliable evidence, but were obstructed from accessing all the information.

The laptop's introduction into evidence at Hunter Biden's trial has further weakened the "Russian disinformation" narrative. FBI agent Erika Jensen testified about the laptop's authentication and extracted data, including text messages, metadata, photos, and videos.

The full list of signatories who continue to support the letter includes prominent former intelligence officials such as Leon Panetta, Michael Hayden, James Clapper, and Greg Treverton.

Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman contributed to this report.