Published：May 26, 16:00Last updated：May 27, 08:05

Biden Sues DOJ to Block Release of Private Memoir Recordings

May. 26, 2026 16:00

Former US President Biden filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice on May 26 to prevent the release of recordings and transcripts from interviews conducted for his memoir. Biden's lawyers argued that the proposed disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy. The interviews were conducted between 2016 and 2017 and were obtained by the DOJ in 2023 during an investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents.

Summarized

8News

7Media

May. 27, 2026 07:27

Former US President Joe Biden is suing the US Department of Justice to block the release of interviews he gave to his ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer, during the writing of his 2017 memoir. The recordings, obtained by special counsel Robert Hur, were part of an investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents. Biden's lawyers argue that releasing the files would violate his privacy. Special counsel Hur concluded that Biden had 'willfully retained and disclosed' classified materials but declined to recommend criminal charges. Concerns about Biden's memory and health played a role in the 2024 presidential campaign.

May. 27, 2026 08:05

President Biden's legal team filed a lawsuit to prevent the Justice Department from releasing secret deposition tapes to Congress and the Heritage Foundation. The move aims to protect sensitive information from public disclosure.

Former US President Joe Biden has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice to prevent the release of audio recordings and transcripts from interviews conducted for his 2017 memoir. The legal action seeks to block disclosure of materials obtained during a special counsel investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents, which ultimately resulted in no criminal charges. The case raises significant questions about the balance between government transparency and personal privacy rights.

🔒 Privacy Concerns

Biden's legal team argues the proposed release would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy, particularly regarding conversations with ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer. These recordings were made between 2016-2017 during the memoir-writing process and later obtained by special counsel Robert Hur's investigation. The lawsuit claims the materials contain sensitive personal reflections not meant for public consumption.China.org+2

⚖️ Legal Battle

The Justice Department had planned to release the materials as part of a transparency initiative, including sharing them with Congress and conservative think tank Heritage Foundation. Biden's attorneys are challenging this move in federal court, asserting executive privilege protections. The case follows Hur's conclusion that Biden "willfully retained" classified documents but shouldn't face criminal charges.Toronto Star+2

🗣️ Political Fallout

The lawsuit has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, including former President Donald Trump who accused Biden of dishonesty. The controversy revives debates about Biden's memory and fitness that surfaced during the 2024 campaign. Legal experts suggest the case could set important precedents regarding post-presidency privacy rights.RIA Novosti+1

Joe BidenRobert HurMark ZwonitzerHeritage FoundationDepartment of Justice