Trump administration to release audio of Biden’s special counsel interview

The Trump administration is preparing to release audio recordings of President Joe Biden’s 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert K. Hur, potentially as early as next week, according to individuals familiar with the matter.

The interview, conducted at the White House in October 2023, was part of an investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents found at his former office and residence following his vice presidency. Special Counsel Hur concluded in 2024 that no charges would be filed, citing that a jury might view the president as a “sympathetic” figure due to his advanced age and memory lapses, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

The move to release the audio comes amid renewed scrutiny over President Biden’s health and cognitive abilities, as Democratic leaders face internal concerns about his capacity to seek a second term. Although the Biden administration released a transcript of the interview shortly after Hur’s decision, Republican lawmakers have since pressed for the audio, claiming it may provide clearer insight into the president’s mental state.

"The transcripts were released by the Biden administration more than a year ago," said Kelly Scully, spokesperson for the former president. "The audio does nothing but confirm what is already public."

The Biden administration had previously withheld the audio recording, citing executive privilege and concerns that releasing it could discourage future witness cooperation in criminal investigations. However, officials at the Trump white House have rejected those arguments and now plan to proceed with publication, two sources said on the condition of anonymity.

The decision was prompted in part by a court deadline next week for the Trump administration to take a position in a lawsuit over the recording.

By Sabina Mammadli