Biden Interview Audio Release Fuels Political Battle

The Trump administration is considering releasing audio recordings of former President Joe Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden's handling of classified documents and questioned his mental acuity. Although interview transcripts have been released, Biden has asserted executive privilege to block the audio, with the Justice Department warning that disclosure could impact witness cooperation and privacy in future investigations. Conservative groups and news organizations have filed Freedom of Information Act lawsuits seeking the recordings, and the Justice Department must respond by a May 20 court-ordered deadline. The issue has become highly politicized, with Trump allies alleging a cover-up and intensifying scrutiny of Biden's mental fitness. Plans for the audio's release remain undecided, with the controversy fueling partisan debate ahead of the 2024 elections.