Former President Joe Biden has filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department, trying to block the release of about 70 hours of audio recordings and transcripts tied to the special counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents.
Where the Recordings Came From
The recordings come from interviews Biden gave to his ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer, for his 2017 memoir “Promise Me, Dad.” Those interviews later became central evidence in the special counsel’s probe into whether Biden mishandled classified materials after his time as vice president.
Why It’s Coming to a Head Now
The Justice Department has said it plans to release the audio and transcripts to the House Judiciary Committee and the conservative Heritage Foundation on June 15 – unless a court steps in first. Biden’s lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., asks a judge to stop that from happening.
The Two Sides
Biden’s legal team argues he has a right to privacy and claims the DOJ is acting unlawfully in seeking to hand the records to a think tank and congressional Republicans. Supporters of release counter that the public has an interest in hearing the material directly, especially given the subject matter.
The underlying probe, which concluded in early 2024, found that Biden “willfully retained and disclosed” classified information – but the special counsel ultimately recommended no criminal charges, a conclusion that drew sharp reactions from both parties at the time.
What Happens Next
Now it’s up to a federal judge to decide whether the recordings stay sealed or are turned over ahead of the June 15 deadline. The outcome could set a notable marker for how much material from high-profile investigations ultimately becomes public.
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