The Justice Department has come under fire for resisting a federal court's order to expedite the process of determining the release of recordings of President Biden's interviews with then-Special Counsel Robert Hur. The controversy arose following Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests made by advocacy groups last month, including The Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project and Judicial Watch.
Congressional Republicans, who have unsuccessfully subpoenaed the tapes, are seeking their release to further their claims of Biden's cognitive decline and fitness for office. The DOJ's decision not to comply with a House Republican subpoena in April, despite cooperating with Congress on the Biden family investigation, has sparked tensions.
Attorney Kyle Brosnan criticized the Justice Department's arguments for delaying the release, emphasizing the public interest in prompt disclosure of the tapes. The court ruled for an expedited briefing schedule, with final motions expected by July 29.
The Heritage Foundation plaintiffs objected to the original schedule, urging the DOJ to match the case's urgency. Judicial Watch labeled the DOJ's objections as a cover-up and a political maneuver.
Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the government to file any oppositional motion by May 31, highlighting the significance of the case. Brosnan emphasized the difference between an audio recording and a transcript, citing Hur's portrayal of Biden as a sympathetic elderly man with memory issues.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boyton defended the DOJ's actions, stating that they did not violate FOIA or any other laws. The dispute underscores the ongoing battle over transparency and accountability in government proceedings.
