Audio recordings released by the Oversight Project show former President Joe Biden discussing sensitive information with his ghostwriter during interviews for his memoir. The tapes reveal instances where Biden mentioned possessing classified documents and notes from his time as vice president. According to multiple reports, the recordings were made in 2016 and 2017, and their release follows a legal battle initiated by conservative groups.
Key Takeaways
Audio recordings released by the Oversight Project show former President Joe Biden discussing sensitive information with his ghostwriter during interviews for his memoir. The tapes reveal instances where Biden mentioned possessing classified documents and notes from his time as vice president. According to multiple reports, the recordings were made in 2016 and 2017, and their release follows a legal battle initiated by conservative groups.
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▼Source Claims Check
High ConsensusAll 3 publishers report consistent facts across 2 key claims.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classified Material | Broad Agreement | Biden discussed classified documents with ghostwriter. | |
| Memory Lapses | Broad Agreement | Biden showed signs of memory lapses in recordings. |
Classified Material
Broad AgreementBiden discussed classified documents with ghostwriter.
Memory Lapses
Broad AgreementBiden showed signs of memory lapses in recordings.
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
The heavily redacted transcripts and recordings were part of a 2024 special counsel report that concluded Biden had 'willfully' kept and shared classified information after his vice presidency. The report stated that Biden regularly wrote notes by hand in notebooks, some of which contained classified subjects. Special Counsel Robert Hur described Biden as a 'sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,' but ultimately determined that no criminal charges were warranted.
In one recording dated October 2016, Biden can be heard discussing notes he says he kept from his time in office. He mentions having extensive notes and classified information that he claims the White House was not aware of. In another recording from February 2017, Biden tells his ghostwriter about finding classified material downstairs at his home. The Oversight Project, a branch of the Heritage Foundation, sued for the tapes, which had been handed over to the justice department during its investigation into Biden's handling of the records.
Biden's spokesperson TJ Ducklo criticized the release, stating that the conversations were private and provided to the Department of Justice on the condition they stay that way. Ducklo added that reversing course and making them public is just the latest example of this Administration weaponizing the DOJ for political retribution. The tapes contain instances of Biden being unable to recall some dates and details of topics he was discussing with his ghostwriter.
How this summary was created
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