In a latest development, House Republicans have subpoenaed the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the transcript of President Joe Biden’s interview with special counsel Robert Hur, according to sources.
Hur recently released a report on Biden’s handling of classified documents, raising concerns about the President’s mental state based on the interview conducted over October 8-9, where Biden reportedly struggled with recalling details such as his vice presidency’s start and end dates and his late son’s death.
The House Judiciary and Oversight Committees, in collaboration with the Ways and Means Committee, formally notified Attorney General Merrick Garland of the subpoena through a letter obtained by the Daily Caller. Despite a prior request for the transcript by February 19, 5 p.m., the DOJ did not comply.
The letter states, “The Oversight and Judiciary Committees…are investigating whether sufficient grounds exist to draft articles of impeachment against President Biden for consideration by the full House.”
It also seeks clarity on any limitations placed by the White House or Biden’s personal attorneys during the interviews with Special Counsel Hur or Mr. Mark Zwonitzer, potentially suppressing statements linking Biden to problematic foreign payments.
The decision on releasing the transcript has sparked debate among Biden’s allies and opponents. While the White House dismissed Hur’s comments as “gratuitous” and disputed their accuracy, critics are pushing for transparency through the release of the transcript.
Biden’s attorney previously refrained from indicating whether the President supported releasing the transcript and recordings.
Hur, appointed by Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland, cited DOJ policy on prosecuting a president to justify not pressing charges against Biden, despite the FBI uncovering documents at Biden’s estate concerning U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and sensitive national security matters.
Following the special counsel report’s release, Biden held a rare press conference, taking responsibility for the classified documents scandal while deflecting blame to his staff.
During the press conference, Biden faced questions about his age and mental fitness. The President criticized Hur for probing into the death of his son Beau, although reports suggest Biden himself introduced the topic during the interview.
Biden’s allies attempted to discredit the report by portraying Hur as a partisan Republican operative, despite his appointment by Biden’s administration. The White House is reportedly unhappy with Garland over the investigation’s outcome, alleging prior pressure to omit elements raising concerns about Biden’s mental faculties.
