The Justice Department is facing criticism for its efforts to delay the release of recordings of President Biden's interviews with then-Special Counsel Robert Hur following a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by advocacy groups. Republicans allege that the tapes could reveal evidence of Biden's cognitive decline and unsuitability for office.
The Justice Department's attempt to postpone the release of recordings of President Biden's interviews with then-Special Counsel Robert Hur has sparked outrage from advocacy groups and Republican lawmakers. The groups, including the Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project, Judicial Watch, and CNN, filed a FOIA request for the recordings last month, seeking to shed light on the classified documents probe.
The lawsuit comes after House Republicans subpoenaed the same recordings but were unsuccessful in obtaining them. Congressional Republicans have accused the DOJ of dragging its feet on the investigation into Biden and his family's business dealings. The Justice Department has maintained that it is cooperating with the congressional investigation and has provided "extraordinary" assistance.
The expedited briefing schedule ordered by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia aims to streamline the litigation process and determine whether the tapes should be released. However, the Justice Department has argued for a more extended timeline, citing the need to prepare legal arguments and account for holidays. This has drawn criticism from the Oversight Project, which has accused the DOJ of delaying the release out of political convenience.
Attorney Kyle Brosnan, chief counsel for the Oversight Project, has emphasized the importance of releasing the tapes promptly, stating that they could help resolve the dispute over Biden's mental capabilities. Republicans have repeatedly questioned Biden's cognitive fitness for office, pointing to Hur's description of him as an "elderly man with a poor memory."
The DOJ has defended its actions, arguing that it has complied with FOIA and other applicable laws. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boyton has asserted that CNN, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, is not entitled to any exempt documents or information.
The lawsuit has escalated a political battle between the Justice Department and congressional Republicans, who have threatened to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. The tapes are expected to be a key piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation into Biden and his family's alleged misconduct.
The outcome of the lawsuit will determine whether the public will gain access to the recordings of Biden's interviews with Hur. The tapes could provide valuable insights into the ongoing investigation and Biden's cognitive health, as alleged by Republican critics. The Justice Department will need to provide a more compelling justification for its delay if it hopes to avoid further criticism and legal challenges.
