Biden Sues Justice Department to Block Release of Interview Recordings

Former President Joe Biden has taken legal action against the Justice Department to prevent the release of his interview recordings and transcripts obtained by a special counsel investigating his handling of classified documents. The lawsuit, filed in Washington’s federal court, challenges the department’s plan to share the files with Congress and the Heritage Foundation. Previously, the department argued these materials were exempt from disclosure under the public records law.

Biden’s legal team claims that releasing these files would compromise his privacy. They assert that even a sitting or former vice president is entitled to privacy regarding personal conversations, especially those held in a private home. When such information is gathered during a criminal investigation, the Justice Department should protect it rather than disclose it.

The recordings and transcripts in question date back to 2016 and 2017, involving interviews at Biden’s home with Mark Zwonitzer, a ghostwriter who helped with Biden’s memoirs. These files were examined by special counsel Robert Hur during an investigation into Biden’s retention of classified documents from his time as a senator and vice president.

Hur’s investigation, documented in a 345-page report, did not recommend criminal charges against the then-81-year-old Biden, citing insufficient evidence for prosecution. Despite this, Biden continues to resist the release of his interview audio with Hur.

In 2024, Attorney General Merrick Garland was held in contempt of Congress after withholding the interview audio, invoking executive privilege. The transcripts of Biden’s five-hour interview with prosecutors were made public. While Biden emphasized his respect for classified information, the transcripts revealed some confusion about dates, details, and document management.

The situation has fueled partisan debate. Republicans argue Biden’s treatment by the Justice Department shows favoritism, contrasting with the case against former President Trump. Meanwhile, Democrats highlight Biden’s cooperation with investigators, emphasizing the differences from Trump’s refusal to return classified documents to the National Archives.