Biden Files Lawsuit to Block Release of Memoir Audio Recordings

Former President Joe Biden filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in Washington's federal court seeking to prevent the release of audio recordings and transcripts of his private conversations with Mark Zwonitzer, the ghostwriter of his 2017 memoir.

Background

The legal action arises from a 2024 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative organization, which later filed its own lawsuit to obtain Biden's remarks to Zwonitzer while writing "Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose."

The materials were part of an investigation by then-special counsel Robert Hur into Biden's handling of classified documents from his time as a senator and vice president. Hur's investigation concluded with a report that questioned Biden's age and mental competence but recommended no criminal charges. In 2024, transcripts of five hours of interviews with federal prosecutors were released, showing Biden occasionally unclear about dates and details.

Biden has separately contested the release of audio from his own interview with Hur. In 2024, the House of Representatives held Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for refusing to provide that audio, citing executive privilege.

Current Status

The Department of Justice initially withheld the materials, claiming they were exempt from disclosure under FOIA.
During President Donald Trump's second term, the department reversed its position, according to Biden's attorney Amy Jeffress.
In February, the department notified Biden of its intention to release the materials without formal explanation.
On May 5, the Office of the Deputy Attorney General informed Biden that a final decision had been made to release the materials, with limited redactions, to the Heritage plaintiffs and Congress on June 15.

Biden's Argument

Biden's lawyers argue that the conversations contain personal information exempt from disclosure under FOIA. Jeffress stated, "Every American, including a sitting or former Vice President, has a right to privacy in the personal conversations he has within his own home." The lawsuit contends that disclosure would be an unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Reactions

The Justice Department and Zwonitzer did not respond to requests for comment.
President Trump commented on Truth Social, calling Biden "a Crooked Politician."
Republicans have argued that Biden received preferential treatment compared to former President Donald Trump, who faced a criminal case for refusing to return classified documents.
Democrats emphasized Biden's cooperation with the investigation.

Outlook

Without court intervention, the materials are set to be released on June 15.