Recordings of Biden's Memoir Conversations to Be Released

Former President Joe Biden has decided against appealing a court ruling that permits the Justice Department to release audio recordings. These recordings document conversations between Biden and a writer who collaborated on his memoir.

The special counsel investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents produced these recordings. The Justice Department now has clearance to publicize the tapes.

Biden served as Vice President from 2009 to 2017. He then ran for president in 2020. His memoir, "Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose," was published in 2017.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Robert Hur as special counsel in January 2023. Hur investigated Biden's retention of classified materials after leaving the vice presidency. Hur's report, released in February 2024, concluded that Biden willfully retained classified documents but recommended no criminal charges.

The report cited Biden's advanced age and memory issues as factors in its decision not to prosecute. These recordings formed part of the evidence gathered during that investigation.