In a move set to intensify political tensions, the Republican-majority House of Representatives is gearing up to vote on whether to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for his refusal to release audio recordings of a special counsel interview with President Joe Biden.
Despite the Department of Justice providing a transcript of the interview, the push for the recordings stems from a controversial report by Special Counsel Robert Hur. Hur described Biden, 81, as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” when investigating classified documents from Biden’s vice presidency found at his home and office. Hur opted not to prosecute, citing Biden’s cooperation and sympathetic image.
The White House has cited executive privilege over the recordings. A House vote to hold Garland in contempt could compel the Justice Department to decide whether to prosecute its own leader, a move it is not obligated to pursue.
The vote’s outcome remains uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson is struggling to ensure enough Republican votes, as the procedural vote barely passed with a 208-207 margin. Often, lawmakers support debating a bill even if they don’t plan to back it in the final vote.
“Transcripts alone are not sufficient evidence of the state of the president’s memory,” argued House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan. Conversely, Democrat Jerrold Nadler accused Republicans of chasing unfounded conspiracy theories.
Hur’s investigation contrasted sharply with the case of Donald Trump, Biden’s 2024 opponent. Trump faces charges for mishandling classified documents post-presidency, unlike Biden, who complied with document return requests.
Democrats suggest Republicans aim to leverage the audio tapes for Trump’s campaign ads. Garland has consistently defended the Justice Department against what he calls baseless and dangerous accusations from House Republicans.
“This is an unprecedented and unfounded attack on the Justice Department,” Garland remarked in May. “We’ve gone to great lengths to respond to legitimate requests, but this crosses the line.”
Trump, dealing with multiple legal battles, including falsifying business records and mishandling classified documents, remains a central figure in the unfolding drama.
