Audio recordings of former President Joe Biden discussing potentially classified material have been released, following a two-year court battle. The tapes, which total over 70 hours, were recorded while Biden worked on his 2017 memoir with ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer. In the recordings, Biden can be heard referencing classified information, saying “Some of this may be classified … So, be careful” and “The next thing I have here is, um, this is classified …”
The recordings were first referenced in a 2024 special counsel’s report, which investigated Biden’s handling of classified documents. The report found that Biden had kept volumes of notes at his home, including classified information. More than two hours of the recordings were shared with the public, providing insight into Biden’s conversations about sensitive topics.
Classified Information and Biden’s Handling
Biden’s conversations on the tapes include discussions about potentially classified meetings, including “a big meeting with the CIA and everyone” and “a long meeting where DOD brief … POTUS.” He also mentions having notes that the White House was not aware of, saying “I have extensive notes over this period of time… They didn’t know I have this.”
The release of the tapes comes after a long legal battle, with Biden’s team initially seeking to block their release. However, after a series of adverse rulings, they declined to pursue the matter further. Biden’s spokesperson, TJ Ducklo, said in a statement that the release of the tapes is an example of the administration “weaponizing the DOJ for political retribution.”
Implications and Reactions
The release of the tapes has sparked controversy, with some questioning Biden’s handling of classified information. The special counsel’s report found that Biden had classified material in his home and private office, but ultimately did not recommend charges. The report characterized Biden as “struggling to remember events” and having “painfully slow” conversations, but the tapes do not appear to show significant signs of memory struggles.
The release of the tapes is likely to have implications for Biden’s legacy and the ongoing debate about the handling of classified information. The incident highlights the importance of proper handling and storage of sensitive information, and the need for transparency and accountability in government.
