GOP pressure on AG Garland over Biden-Hur audio release
- Attorney General Merrick Garland faced Republican pressure to release the Biden-Hur audio recording.
- Despite demands, Garland affirmed the DOJ's decision not to hand over the recording.
- The standoff led to talks of a contempt resolution against Garland.
Republican lawmakers asked Attorney General Merrick Garland to share the audio of President Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. Garland refused, saying the transcript was already made public. He believes releasing the audio could harm future investigations and affect witness cooperation. Garland thinks the request for the audio is unnecessary and part of a pattern of attacks on the Justice Department's work. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Dan Bishop, want to hear the audio to understand Biden's behavior during the interview. Garland argued that listening to the audio wouldn't serve any legislative purpose. Republicans threatened to hold Garland in contempt if he doesn't provide the recording. Garland also clarified that the Justice Department has no authority over the charges brought against former President Trump in New York. He emphasized that the DOJ won't share the audio recording of Biden's interview, even if it leads to a contempt resolution.