US Department of Justice investigators have concluded former vice-president Mike Pence has no case to answer for retaining classified documents after leaving office.

After revelations of classified material found at Trump’s Florida residence, the National Archives called on former presidents and vice-presidents to checks for any material that should be in the government’s possession.

A lawyer for Pence had notified authorities about the discovery of records with classified markings, prompting an FBI search for records at his Indianapolis residence this year.

NBC and CNN reported the closing of the probe earlier on Friday.
Pence’s spokesman has said the former vice president has “fully co-operated” with the probe and Pence himself has publicly acknowledged what he called a mistake.

A Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith, is investigating Trump’s handling of classified materials since leaving office in January 2021.

A separate special counsel was appointed to conduct an investigation after US President Joe Biden reported finding some classified material in his possession.

Both Biden and Trump are seeking the presidency in the 2024 election.
Pence is expected to announce his candidacy next week.

— with AAP