'Hiding Joe’s crimes': DOJ slammed for dragging feet on release of Biden-Hur tapes despite court directive

WASHINGTON, DC: The Justice Department faced sharp criticism on Friday, May 10, for its reluctance to expedite the release of recordings capturing President Biden's interviews with then-Special Counsel Robert Hur.

The delay comes despite a federal court's order pushing for a quicker timeline in determining the tapes' disclosure following a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by advocacy groups last month.

FOIA requests and legal proceedings

The Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project, alongside Judicial Watch and CNN, lodged separate FOIA requests seeking access to the tapes, which have also been subject to unsuccessful subpoenas from congressional Republicans. These requests were consolidated into a single lawsuit.

In April, the Justice Department announced its refusal to comply with a House Republican subpoena concerning the same recordings, sparking tensions between lawmakers and Attorney General Merrick Garland. This refusal prompted Representatives James Comer and Jim Jordan to threaten Garland with contempt of Congress.

However, this week, the US District Court in Washington, DC, ruled in favor of an expedited briefing schedule to resolve the issue, which Republicans argue will shed light on Biden's cognitive abilities and fitness for office.

Kyle Brosnan, Chief Counsel for the Oversight Project, criticized the Justice Department's stance, labeling their arguments for the original August briefing schedule as "absurd." Speaking to Fox News, Brosnan emphasized the public interest in promptly releasing the tapes.

Brosnan highlighted the involvement of congressional panels and their subpoenas, suggesting that the lawsuit has already been thoroughly briefed at the highest levels of the Justice Department.

"And so, it's nonsense that they need time to prepare their legal arguments, given how the entire apparatus of the Justice Department, including the top levels, are well aware of not only the congressional interest, but also the legal cases," he said.

DOJ resistance

The plaintiffs, including the Heritage Foundation, objected to the initial briefing schedule, highlighting the importance of the case and urging the Justice Department to expedite proceedings. They accused the DOJ of unnecessary delay tactics, particularly citing objections over scheduling around holidays.

"The Heritage Plaintiffs are willing to accord this case the speed it demands. The Department of Justice should be willing to do the same," a court motion filed May 2 read, later claiming the DOJ "needs no great time to prepare its papers."

In response to the ruling, Judicial Watch condemned the Justice Department's objections as a "brazen cover-up," accusing them of engaging in a "political gambit."

In his ruling, Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the government to file any oppositional motions for summary judgment by May 31, along with several other accelerated dates leading to final motions on July 29.

Speaking to Fox News, Brosnan stressed the significance of the audio recordings compared to a mere transcript, especially considering Hur's depiction of Biden as a "sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory" could influence prospective jurors' perceptions.

"The audio recording can help alleviate the dispute over President Biden's mental capabilities," he said, particularly in light of the White House's objections to Hur's descriptions.

"President Biden himself, you know, in response to questions about his mental capabilities, has said to 'watch me.' Well, if we had the ability to listen to him, we could put this dispute to bed," Brosnan added.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boyton defended the DOJ's position, stating that plaintiff CNN "is not entitled to any documents or information exempt from disclosure under the FOIA." Boyton asserted that the DOJ's actions were in accordance with the law.

Social media backlash

Criticism has also mounted on social media, with many fuming over the delay tactics employed by the Biden administration.

"Biden has NO credibility with the courts," one posted on X.

"Of course. Hiding Joe’s crimes is what the dark state is all about," another alleged.

"Doj protecting @JoeBiden from voters seeing how senile and decrepit he actually is," someone else commented.

"It seems Democrats don't really care about any Law. A Judges Order is just rain off a duck's back to them. Oh, they'll get around to doing it when they feel like it... Actually, they have to go over every word to make sure they delete any negativity about them!! Sucks! Just Saying!" another chimed in.

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