Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE plans to close his foundation when he enters the 2020 presidential race, The New York Times reported Monday, citing people briefed on the matter.
Biden and his wife, Jill, launched the Biden Foundation in 2017. According to the Times, the organization would likely suspend its activities immediately after Biden jumps into the race, followed by a gradual dismantling of the charity group.
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By shuttering the charity, the Times reported, Biden would be likely to avoid questions about possible conflicts of interest as a candidate.
A spokesperson for Biden did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill. Spokespeople for Biden and for the foundation declined to comment to the Times.
Closing the charity organization could help Biden avoid some of the questions and criticism that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonWhite House accuses Biden of pushing ‘conspiracy theories’ with Trump election claim Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton qualifies to run for county commissioner in Florida MORE faced in 2016 over her charity, the Clinton Foundation. Watchdog groups at the time warned of possible conflicts of interest, as did President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE, when Clinton did not shutter the foundation while seeking the White House.
The Atlantic reported on Friday that Biden will enter the race this week and has already recorded a video announcement. Biden has begun to accept campaign donations ahead of his likely announcement.
Biden has long been expected to launch his third White House bid. Polling has consistently shown he is at or near the top of Democratic field of candidates.