Biden Files Lawsuit Against DOJ Over Release of Audio Recordings

WASHINGTON – Joe Biden has initiated legal action against the Justice Department to prevent the release of audio recordings and transcripts. These materials, which feature interviews with a ghostwriter, were obtained during the special counsel’s investigation into his handling of classified documents.

Biden’s legal team filed the lawsuit in Washington’s federal court, citing concerns about disclosures to Congress and the Heritage Foundation. The department had previously stated that these documents were protected under public records law exemptions.

Every American, including a sitting or former Vice President, has a right to privacy in the personal conversations he has within his own home, Biden’s attorneys stated. They emphasized the Justice Department’s duty to protect private information acquired through criminal investigations from unauthorized disclosure.

The audio recordings and transcripts relate to interviews Biden conducted at his home in 2016 and 2017 with Mark Zwonitzer. Zwonitzer collaborated with Biden on his two memoirs. Special counsel Robert Hur scrutinized these files as part of an investigation into the improper retention of classified documents from Biden’s time as a senator and vice president.

The inquiry by Hur resulted in a 345-page report. Despite questioning Biden’s age and mental fitness, no criminal charges were recommended. Hur indicated insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution.

Biden has also opposed releasing his interview audio with Hur. In 2024, the House held Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to provide that audio. The White House claimed executive privilege to shield it from Congress. Nevertheless, transcripts of five hours of Biden’s interviews with federal prosecutors were made public the same year.

Within the transcripts, Biden expressed his seriousness in handling classified information. However, some parts revealed he had difficulty recalling specific dates and details and was unaware of certain document trails. Republicans claim Biden was treated leniently by his Justice Department, contrasting this with Trump’s separate criminal case involving classified documents. Meanwhile, Democrats highlighted Biden’s cooperation in the investigation, differentiating it from Trump’s conduct.