Steve Jobs' FBI File Released, Reveals Drug Use, Moral Character
Steve Jobs, was watched by federal agents for some time and they have released his FBI file, chronicling his drug use, honesty and overall character.
Steve Jobs' FBI file reveals his drug use in the 70s and 80s and his tendency to distort reality. The reason for the initial FBI probe was Jobs' consideration for a post on President George H.W. Bush's Export Council in 1991, according to the New York Post.
The FBI was asked to do a background check and get comments from people who either worked with Jobs or knew him in some other capacity. They commented on his character and suitability for a political position.
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According to the file, individuals commented on past drug use of Jobs. They said he had experimented with marijuana, hashish and LSD from 1970-1974, but they believed he hadn't used any drugs in the five years prior to 1991.
"Several individuals questioned Mr. Jobs' honesty," the file said. "Stating that Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals."
One person who was interviewed in 1991 described Jobs as "basically honest and trustworthy" but also said that he felt alienated after working with Jobs. He said that Jobs also alienated other Apple employees and that his moral character was suspect.
Ultimately he said that Jobs was capable of holding a high level political position.
The FBI documents also reveal that Jobs had top secret clearance from 1988 to 1990 and it provides a look at a $1 million bomb threat made against Apple in 1985, according to the Huffington Post.
The FBI noted that a male caller had contacted Apple and claimed to have bombs in the home of certain employees, asking for $1 million. They also noted that searches of their properties yielded no unusual activity.
One person said that Jobs led a "spartanlike and at times even monastic existence." Another said that he lived within his means and only worried how his wealth would be spent after he left this world.
An acquaintance of Jobs said he had undergone a change of philosophy and was participating in Eastern and/or Indian mysticism and religion. The change was said to have changed his life for the better.
At least 29 people were interviewed as part of the background check on Jobs. The names of these people were not released, but it is believed that they may have been a roommate, an ex-girlfriend and friends or colleagues.
Ironically, the tech guru's technical skills were questioned by many of the interviewees. One person described him as "technically oriented, but...in the opinion of many, not an engineer."
Another person agreed, saying that he was not a deeply technical individual.
