Biden blocks release of interview recordings citing executive privilege.
The Joe Biden administration has refused to share audio recordings of interviews conducted as part of a special counsel probe, citing executive privilege. In a letter to Republican lawmakers spearheading demands for the tapes, the Justice Department said the president invoked the legal doctrine shielding some White House communications.
The move comes in response to Republicans in the judiciary and oversight committees pushing for access to President Biden’s recordings with special counsel Robert Hur investigating classified records handling.
Hur’s February report questioning Biden’s memory and age sharply criticised the president’s fitness. While declining prosecution, he said the president would likely be viewed as a ‘well-meaning, elderly man.’
Biden had hit back declaring he knew what he was doing and did not require recommendations.
Attorney General Merrick Garland defended the decision, citing unprecedented attacks on the justice department. However, Republicans have vowed to cite him for contempt.
Separately, White House legal counsel informed the panels of partisan motives, saying relevant details had already been shared.
Though transcripts were provided, sharing raw recordings could allow cherry-picking out-of-context excerpts, the letter stated.
Republicans control the House by a single seat, and it remains unclear if they have the numbers to approve contempt charges and prosecution referral.
