Appeals Court Rejects Biden’s Bid to Keep Ghostwriter Interview Recordings Private
A federal appeals court has rejected former President Joe Biden's request to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts from interviews he gave to his memoir ghostwriter before becoming president.
In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the public interest in the materials outweighs Biden's remaining privacy concerns. However, the court temporarily delayed the release until August 3, giving Biden time to seek further legal review.
Court Balances Privacy and Public Interest
The majority of the three-judge panel said that previously approved redactions would help protect Biden's personal privacy while allowing the public access to information of significant public interest.
The judges concluded that the remaining privacy concerns were not enough to justify keeping the recordings sealed.
One judge dissented, arguing that the interviews took place inside Biden's home and were part of a criminal investigation that ultimately did not result in charges. She said those circumstances gave Biden a substantial privacy interest.
Recordings Linked to Classified Documents Investigation
The interviews were conducted in 2016 and 2017 by writer Mark Zwonitzer while working with Biden on his memoirs.
The recordings were later obtained by Special Counsel Robert Hur during his investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents from his time as a U.S. senator and vice president. Hur ultimately declined to recommend criminal charges.
Following the investigation, Republicans in Congress and the conservative Heritage Foundation sought access to the recordings, arguing they should be made public.
Biden Continues Legal Fight
Biden filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the Justice Department from releasing the recordings, saying the conversations were private and intended solely for the writing of his memoirs.
A federal district judge previously ruled that the public interest outweighed Biden's privacy claims, prompting the appeal.
With the appeals court now siding against Biden, the former president has until August 3 to pursue additional legal options before the recordings can potentially be released.
The case continues to draw attention because it involves questions about public access to government records, presidential privacy, and materials gathered during high-profile federal investigations.
