Story perspectives

Trump Appointee Allows Release of Redacted Biden Interview Tapes

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Dabney Friedrich, a President Donald Trump appointee, ruled the DOJ may release redacted audio of Joe Biden’s 2016-2017 memoir interviews.
The 70-hour recordings with Mark Zwonitzer will be released after redactions removed family and personal references.
The DOJ will give the redacted tapes to the House Judiciary Committee and Heritage Foundation.
Special Counsel Robert Hur noted in his 2024 report Biden’s memory issues and age led him to decline criminal charges.

History

Historical Context

In July 1974 the Supreme Court’s unanimous United States v. Nixon decision forced President Richard Nixon to surrender 42 White House tapes, rejecting an absolute executive-privilege claim and leading to his resignation. Judge Dabney Friedrich’s 2024 order similarly permits the Justice Department to give Congress redacted excerpts of President Joe Biden’s 70-hour interview tapes, echoing the earlier precedent that courts can limit presidential secrecy.

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Story summary

Judge Dabney Friedrich, a President Donald Trump appointee, ruled the DOJ may release redacted audio of Joe Biden’s 2016-2017 memoir interviews.
The 70-hour recordings with Mark Zwonitzer will be released after redactions removed family and personal references.
The DOJ will give the redacted tapes to the House Judiciary Committee and Heritage Foundation.
Special Counsel Robert Hur noted in his 2024 report Biden’s memory issues and age led him to decline criminal charges.

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