Biden Files Lawsuit to Block Release of Audio from DOJ Investigation

Former President Joe Biden has initiated a lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent the release of audio recordings and private conversations related to the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Hur into Biden's handling of classified documents. The recordings were made during interviews conducted at Biden's home between 2016 and 2017 for his memoir, 'Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose.' In the lawsuit, Biden asserts that these recordings contain personal discussions that should remain confidential. The DOJ had previously informed Biden in February 2026 of its intention to release the recordings and transcripts to Congress and the Heritage Foundation in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. Biden's legal team argues that the materials have historically been exempt from disclosure under FOIA and claims that the DOJ's current stance represents a reversal from its previous position during the Trump administration. The lawsuit also notes that Biden's attorneys discovered classified documents from his vice presidency at the Penn Biden Center and promptly reported this to federal authorities. Special Counsel Hur, appointed in January 2023, ultimately did not recommend criminal charges against Biden, stating that proving willful misconduct would be challenging.