WASHINGTON, 13 June — Following a year-long investigation, the General Accounting Office — the non-partisan, investigative arm of Congress — released a 217-page report yesterday which concluded that Clinton staffers had vandalized the White House and the Executive Office Building when leaving office during the 2001 presidential change of office.
“Damage, theft, vandalism, and pranks occurred in the White House complex during the 2001 presidential transition,” noted the report, commissioned by Rep. Robert Barr, R-Ga. “Incidents such as the removal of keys from the computer keyboards; the theft of various items; the leaving of certain voice mail messages, signs and written messages; and the placing of glue on desk drawers clearly were intentional acts.”
The GAO report cited 62 keyboards that had to be replaced because the “W” keys were pulled off, 10 antique doorknobs found damaged or missing and several presidential seals, including a foot-long diameter seal from the Old Executive Building, were reported stolen by the Secret Service.
The report also noted that Bush staffers had found phone cords pulled from walls, desks turned on their sides and trash dumped in offices; but it was unable to learn which incidents really happened, what was intentional, and who was responsible.
The GAO made extensive searches throughout the investigation, and interviewed 72 former Clinton administration officials. It also sent letters to 518 White House staffers who worked in the West Wing during the first three weeks of the current Bush administration.
The GAO reports said 29 White House staffers “observed about two dozen prank signs, printed materials, stickers, or written messages that were affixed to walls and desks; placed in copiers, desk and cabinets; or placed on the floor.”
Former Clinton administration officials say the Bush administration wasted government money by insisting on the report that turned up scant proof of vandalism. They estimate the report cost about $200,000, and that it failed to embarrass the former administration.
The GAO also noted allegations of vandalism surfaced when the Clinton administration took over the White House in 1993, replacing President Bush’s father. Incoming Clinton staffers observed missing signs and doorknobs, excessive trash and words and initials carved into desks, the report said.
According to the Executive Office of the President and the General Services Administration, about $20,000 was spent for repair and replacement of items and cleanup.
The GAO suggested future outgoing administrations should conduct a detailed check-out of government materials and a thorough inspection of offices.
