Steve Jobs' 1991 FBI File Released, Reveals Consideration for Presidential Appointment - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Steve Jobs' 1991 FBI File Released, Reveals Consideration for Presidential Appointment

As noted by Gawker, the FBI has just released a 1991 background check on Steve Jobs. The 191-page document was undertaken as Jobs was being considered for a presidential appointment to the President's Export Council by George H. W. Bush. The file was released following a Freedom of Information Act request filed through the open government site MuckRock.

steve jobs fbi memo
Beyond basic biographical information, the report makes reference to comments from a number of Jobs' acquaintances who were interviewed to help build a picture of his background. Gawker notes that the report contains an unusually high number of "derogatory" comments, with some questioning his honesty and making reference to his ability to "twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals".

More details will undoubtedly come to light as readers are able to make their way through the lengthy document, and while certain aspects of the report have been censored out, it may still reveal an interestingly candid glimpse into how Jobs was viewed by his acquaintances and investigators seeking an impartial view of his suitably to serve on a presidential commission.

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...

Top Rated Comments

furi0usbee Avatar
186 months ago
Save it for SteveRumors. How does this even fit?

Oh, I don't know... the guy was co-founder of Apple, creator of Mac. And this is MacRumor's after all. Since when has this site become a hard-news site? Since never. Every story someone has to ask why it was posted. So now for every one of those posts, I'll post explaining why I think it does fit.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
186 months ago
1984 Lawsuit

Yes, he was being sued for paternity of Lisa. Ya know, when he was a real dick making millions while his child was living on welfare.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GenesisST Avatar
186 months ago
Save it for SteveRumors. How does this even fit?

I'd take that any day over PatentRumors.com! :D
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
186 months ago

Gawker notes that the report contains an unusually high number of "derogatory" comments, with some questioning his honesty and making reference to his ability to "twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals".

Sounds like somebody perfectly suited to government work.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Renzatic Avatar
186 months ago
And yet he changed the world of consumer tech, several times over, and arguably, some of the world at large. Genius? Certainly. A bit of madness? Maybe. But from this man of curious contradictions and singular vision, came Macs, OS X, iPods, iPhones, iPads . . . and look where we are today. It's this man's vision that's come alive and driving the industry.

See people? This is what happens when you build a company around a cult of personality.

Things get weird.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Renzatic Avatar
186 months ago
Sometimes truth really *is* stranger than fiction.

Had Steve Jobs not *done* what he had done, there would be no "cult." All of it is product-driven. He can have the most enrapturing personality you can think of, but if he can't deliver the goods, it's all for nothing.

There's a fine line between respecting a company for its achievements, and unwavering, abject hero worship.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: Business | Buyers Guide | Sport | Education | Mac