Steve Jobs FBI File: What's Actually in the Declassified Records

In 1991, Steve Jobs was being considered for an appointed position on the President's Export Council under George H.W. Bush. This required an FBI background investigation, which involved interviewing people who knew Jobs personally and professionally. The resulting file paints an unvarnished portrait of Jobs from the perspective of his associates. Several interviewees described him as someone who would 'twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals.' Others praised his vision and abilities. Jobs was candid about his past drug use during his FBI interview, acknowledging LSD use as a teenager and calling it a positive experience. The file also contains a 1985 report about a bomb threat made against Jobs. The background check was completed, and Jobs served on the Export Council.

• ▸Interviews with Jobs' associates for the 1991 presidential appointment background check
• ▸Statements from interviewees questioning Jobs' honesty and claiming he would 'twist the truth and distort reality'
• ▸Jobs' own admission of LSD use as a teenager, which he described as 'a positive life changing experience'
• ▸A 1985 report on a bomb threat made against Jobs
• ▸Overall assessment of Jobs' character and suitability for a presidential appointment

• ✗"Jobs was under FBI investigation." The file is a routine background check, not a criminal or surveillance investigation.
• ✗"The FBI was concerned about Jobs' drug use." Jobs voluntarily disclosed his LSD use during the background interview. It was not the subject of a separate investigation.
• ✗"The file is about Apple." The file is about Jobs personally, not Apple Inc. or any technology matters.
• ✗"Jobs failed the background check." He passed and served on the Export Council.

1. 1985
   FBI records a bomb threat made against Jobs.
2. 1991
   FBI conducts a background investigation of Jobs for a presidential appointment to the Export Council. Associates question his honesty; Jobs admits to past LSD use.

Why did Steve Jobs have an FBI file?

The file is a 1991 background check tied to a potential presidential appointment, with character interviews and past-conduct questions.

Was Steve Jobs investigated by the FBI?

No criminal investigation. The Bureau conducted a standard background inquiry.

What is in Steve Jobs' FBI file?

The file includes character interviews, questions about honesty, and his own acknowledgment of teenage LSD use.

Where can I read Steve Jobs' FBI file?

The original FBI Vault records are linked from this profile.

Always consult the primary source. Public records may include redactions, allegations, and unverified informant claims.