In an unexpected move, the FBI has reopened its investigation into one of the most peculiar and controversial incidents to emerge during President Joe Biden’s time in office—the discovery of a bag of cocaine inside the West Wing in July 2023. This case had previously baffled investigators and fueled intense public debate, but now, it’s back in the spotlight as the FBI takes another look.
On May 26th, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino made the announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter), confirming that several high-profile cases, including the White House cocaine incident, are being reexamined. Among the cases receiving renewed attention are the unresolved 2021 pipe bombing in Washington, D.C., and the leak of the Supreme Court’s draft opinion on the Dobbs decision, which ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade.
“Shortly after taking office, the Director and I took a comprehensive look at several investigations related to possible public corruption,” Bongino posted. “Given the level of public interest and national concern, we made the decision to either reopen these cases or allocate additional resources and investigative efforts to move them forward. I receive weekly updates on these investigations, and we are seeing steady progress.”
This new push comes nearly a year after the drug-related discovery sent shockwaves across the nation. On July 2, 2023, Secret Service agents found a small plastic bag containing cocaine tucked inside a cubby near the entrance to the West Wing. The location is known for heavy foot traffic and is accessible to White House staff, visitors, and even VIP guests, which added complexity to the investigation from the very beginning.
The discovery prompted immediate action from the Secret Service. The White House was evacuated as a precaution, and a full-scale investigation was launched. At the time, President Joe Biden and his family were away at Camp David in Maryland, not present at the White House when the cocaine was found. Nevertheless, the incident raised serious concerns about security protocols and who might have had access to the premises.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the substance was indeed cocaine. However, the bag did not contain any usable fingerprints or DNA, making it incredibly difficult for investigators to trace. With no viable forensic evidence, the case quickly reached a dead end. Despite reviewing surveillance footage and visitor logs, the Secret Service was unable to identify a suspect or even narrow the list down. More than 500 individuals had access to that area during the relevant timeframe.
Former President Donald Trump has since weighed in on the controversy, expressing strong opinions in a recent interview. “That was such a terrible thing,” he said. “You know, those bins are packed with items, and they’re not exactly sterile. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of fingerprints.” Trump went on to suggest that the area had been deliberately wiped clean. “When they checked it, it was stone cold. Totally wiped down. You know that, right?”
Trump didn’t stop there. When asked who he believed was responsible, he pointed fingers directly at the Biden family. “Well, either Joe or Hunter,” he told journalist Ben Domenech from The Spectator. “Could be Joe, too,” he added.
While the Bidens were confirmed to be at Camp David at the time of the incident, speculation about Hunter Biden’s past has continued to stir public interest. The president’s son has been open about his long struggle with drug addiction, particularly with crack cocaine. His 2021 memoir, Beautiful Things, detailed the depths of his addiction and his path to sobriety.
In a candid interview with Tracy Smith of CBS Sunday Morning, Hunter admitted just how desperate his addiction had become. “I spent more time on my hands and knees picking through carpets, smoking anything that even remotely resembled crack cocaine,” he said. With a touch of self-deprecating humor, he added, “I probably smoked more parmesan cheese than anyone you know.”
Despite his troubled past, court testimony and statements from Hunter himself indicate that he has been sober since 2019. His journey through addiction and recovery has been both public and polarizing, often fueling political attacks and deepening partisan divides. Critics have used his history as a way to cast doubt on the integrity of the Biden administration, while supporters argue that his recovery should be seen as a story of resilience rather than scandal.
The mystery of how cocaine ended up in one of the most secure buildings in the country remains unsolved. It’s a question that has captured the public’s imagination not only because of the substance itself, but because of where it was found. The idea that illicit drugs could make it into the West Wing—an area monitored by high-level security and surveillance—has raised uncomfortable questions about oversight, access, and accountability within the nation’s most important office.
As the FBI revives its investigation, the public is left wondering what, if anything, the renewed efforts will uncover. Will new forensic technologies offer clues that were previously unavailable? Could re-interviewing witnesses or reviewing security footage with fresh eyes shed light on what happened that day? Or will the case remain an unsolved mystery, lingering in the annals of American political scandals?
For now, the reopening of the case is a reminder that some stories refuse to go away. As new details emerge—or fail to—the public’s curiosity will only grow. Whether this investigation brings closure or simply stokes the flames of speculation, one thing is certain: the mystery of the White House cocaine is far from over.