FBI Releases Profile on Steve Jobs

February 10, 2012
By: Miguel Leiva-Gomez

After the recent death of Apple (News - Alert) CEO Steve Jobs, the FBI decided to release a background file on the man, totaling 191 pages. The information on the dossier was gathered in 1991, and was acquired through interviews with Jobs' friends and acquaintances in an effort to decide whether Jobs should be appointed to a position in George H. W. Bush's administration.

Of course, since 1991, Steve Jobs (News - Alert) has become a well-known figure. We are aware of his ambition, his vision, and the respect he inspired from his peers. There are, as well, other facts that people have learned about Jobs, including his consumption of illegal drugs like marijuana and LSD before he started his career.

The interviewees, however, didn't have such a high opinion of Jobs regarding his honesty and values. The names of the interviewees were obscured in the document when it became declassified under FIA. Excerpts from the document appear below:

"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 [obscured] and their daughter; however, recently has [sic] become supportive."

Here's another part of the document: "[obscured] advised that he has been acquainted with Mr. Jobs since [obscured]. He characterized Mr. Jobs as a deceptive individual who is not completely forthright and honest."

And how about this: "She stated that she was somewhat reluctant to discuss the Appointee since she has questions concerning his ethics and his morality." Yet another part reads: "[obscured] advised that he is no longer friends with Mr. Jobs. He feels bitter toward and alienated by Mr. Jobs based on his association with Mr. Jobs at ACI. He characterized Mr. Jobs as an honest and trustworthy individual; however, his moral character is questionable."

Of course, I'm just cherry-picking through the document, and the truth is that the majority of the people the FBI interviewed thought of Jobs as a person who would do very well in the presidential appointment. Still, the CEO of Apple was not appointed to the office.


Miguel Leiva-Gomez is a professional writer with experience in computer sciences, technology, and gadgets. He has written for multiple technology and travel outlets and owns his own tech blog called The Tech Guy, where he writes educational, informative, and sometimes comedic articles for an audience that is less versed in technology.

Edited by Rich Steeves


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