FBI dossier reveals late Apple boss Jobs was investigated by Bush Sr in White House
A SECRET dossier compiled by the FBI on the late Apple founder Steve Jobs as he was being considered for a "sensitive" position in George HW Bush's White House has been released on the internet.
The federal file shows that his friends accused him of taking drugs, being a liar and failing to support his family.
The 191-page dossier was drawn up after Mr Jobs was being considered for a "sensitive" post at the White House in 1991, and is based on interviews with his friends and former colleagues by special agents.
One long-term friend, who had attended college with the future billionaire, provided a scathing portrait of Mr Jobs, describing him as a "deceptive individual who is not completely forthright and honest".
The report, which is partially redacted to exclude some names and other details, went on: "He stated that Mr Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals."
Mr Jobs was also accused of being high-handed, failing to respond to requests for interviews for three weeks.
The report said: "Mr Jobs' secretary informed SA [special agent] … that Mr Jobs was unavailable for an interview for three weeks. Mr Jobs could not even see SA … for one hour."
On the form, Mr Jobs had ticked a box declaring that he had not used or dealt illegal drugs for the previous five years.
The FBI report said: "Several individuals commented concerning past drug use on the part of Mr Jobs."
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 … (the mother of his child born out of wedlock) and their daughter; however, recently has become more supportive."
There were also comments concerning his past drug use: "… [a former colleague] at ACI (his former employer) stated that during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mr jobs may have experimented with illegal drugs, having come from that generation.
"… could not provide any further details concerning this matter. However, … is unaware of any current drug use by Mr Jobs."
Still others questioned Mr Jobs' moral integrity.
"[a former acquaintance] advised that he has been acquainted with Mr Jobs since … 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. … also advised that he was aware that Mr Jobs used illegal drugs, including marijuana and LSD, while they were attending college. … was aware of Mr Jobs' use of illegal drugs from reports of mutual friends and an admission of same from Mr Jobs."
The Steve Jobs report is published on the "vault" section of the FBI's website. The file was released by the FBI following a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
In 1991, the year of the investigation, Steve Jobs was married to Laurene Powell in a Buddhist ceremony.
At the time he was at his company Next Computing, having been ousted from Apple in 1985. He would not return to Apple until 1997.
- Rosa Prince
© Telegraph.co.uk
