DOJ Continues to Refuse Handing Over Audio Recording of Special Counsel’s Interview With Biden

The Assistant AG stated that the committees have not provided a legitimate congressional need for the audio recordings. The DOJ remains firm in its decision not to release the recording of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s interview with President Joe Biden to the House Oversight Committee. Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer have threatened to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress if he does not hand over the recording. The Assistant AG, Carlos Felipe Uriarte, emphasized that the DOJ has adequately responded to the committees’ requests and sees no reason to provide the audio recordings. The DOJ has already provided Mr. Hur’s report, testimony, and transcripts of the interview, showing a strong record of cooperation with Congress. The DOJ is withholding the audio recordings to protect the confidentiality of law enforcement files and will continue to cooperate reasonably while safeguarding the integrity of its work. Mr. Uriarte questioned the necessity of the committees’ request for the audio recording, highlighting that the transcripts already provided do not contain any information related to the concerns raised by the committees. He warned that making the audio public could undermine trust in the Department’s ability to keep law enforcement files confidential. Mr. Uriarte urged the committees to deescalate the situation and work with the Department in a cooperative manner. The DOJ’s decision not to release the audio is based on privileges related to national security, as stated by Attorney General Garland during a testimony before the House Appropriations Committee. Please rewrite this sentence.

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