FBI Probed Steve Jobs Hire — Found Tales of Drugs, Lying and Genius

FBI released files of its investigation into Steve Jobs, who was up for a job in the George H. W. Bush administration

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released its file on Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who back in 1991 was up for a job on President George Bush's Export Council.

Gawker's John Cook was quick to start posting juicy tidbits from the public file.

Much of the dirt relates to Jobs' questionable moral character, in particular his willingness to stretch the truth, his treatment of a child he had with his high school girlfriend and his exalted opinion of himself.

There is also a great deal of talk about Jobs' past drug use, in particular his affinity for LSD and marijuana, which he freedly admitted. Most of the individuals said they had not seen Jobs use drugs recently.

The names of those the FBI interviewed are redacted, but here are a few of the critiques:

Page 38: "Several individuals questioned Mr. Jobs’ honesty stating that Mr. Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals. They also commented that, in the past, Mr. Jobs was not supportive of [redacted] (the mother of his child born out of wedlock) and their daughter; however, recently has become more supportive.”

Also Read: 'Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview': Candid, Bitter Musings From a Man in Limbo

Page 41: "[…] advised that he has been acquainted with Mr. Jobs since [redacted]. He characterized Mr. Jobs as a deceptive individual who is not completely forthright and honest. He stated that Mr. Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals."

Page 44: Another woman described him as "a visionary and charistmatic individual who was at the same time shallow and callous to people in his personal relationships. She described his personal life as being lacking due to his narcissism and shallowness."

That same woman said that Jobs' immense power caused him at times to lose sight of his integrity.

However, "She concluded by stating that despite the appointee’s faults, she believes he is an extremely bright and competent individual who would serve well in a position of trust and confidence by his sense of vision as she previously related along with his indefatigable energy. She therefore recommended him for a position of trust and confidence with the government."

That is in keeping with most of the file. For every critic, there are those who laud his lack of prejudice, his loyalty, his brilliance and his leadership. Those who criticized him still saw him fit for the job, they just did not want to be friends with him.

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