Department of Justice announcements or major news outlets

House Republicans Advance Contempt Charges Against AG Garland Over Biden Interview Audio in Classified Documents Probe

May 16, 2024, 12:33 PM

House Republicans are moving forward with contempt charges against Attorney General Merrick Garland for refusing to provide audio recordings of President Joe Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. The recordings were part of an investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents. Despite handing over the transcript, Garland did not release the audio, citing Biden's privacy interests. The Justice Department has also informed House Republicans that President Biden has asserted executive privilege over the recordings. Hur described Biden as a 'sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.' The House Oversight and Judiciary committees will hold a markup session for the resolution to hold Garland in contempt on Thursday, May 16, 2024.