House Republicans Vow to Sue DOJ for Access to Biden Interview Tapes

House Speaker Mike Johnson announces lawsuit to enforce subpoena for audio tapes of special counsel's interview with President Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland cited executive privilege in refusing to hand over the tapes.

House Republicans are escalating their efforts to force the Biden administration to release audio tapes of special counsel Robert Hur's interview with President Biden, announcing plans to file a lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ) next week.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., made the announcement at his regular press conference, vowing to "fight vigorously" to obtain the audio tapes, which Republicans believe would provide critical context about Biden's state of mind.

House Republicans Vow to Sue DOJ for Access to Biden Interview Tapes

"We are going to file a suit next week against the – against the Department of Justice to enforce that subpoena," Johnson said. "We'll go to district court here in D.C., which is the appropriate venue, and we will fight vigorously to get it."

The DOJ has refused to release the audio tapes, citing Biden's claim of executive privilege. Hur declined to prosecute Biden over his handling of classified documents, citing his advanced age and mental state.

House Republicans Vow to Sue DOJ for Access to Biden Interview Tapes

Republicans have dismissed the DOJ's reasoning, arguing that the audio tapes would shed light on Biden's mental fitness, an issue that has been raised by both Republicans and some Democrats.

The dispute over the tapes has led to increased tension between the Biden administration and House Republicans, who have also held Garland in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with the subpoena.

House Republicans Vow to Sue DOJ for Access to Biden Interview Tapes

Johnson's announcement comes as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., seeks to force a vote on her own "inherent contempt" resolution against Garland. This little-used congressional procedure would direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to detain Garland for a trial by the House itself.

Johnson acknowledged Luna's plan but said no decision had been made on how to proceed.

House Republicans Vow to Sue DOJ for Access to Biden Interview Tapes

"I've talked to Anna Paulina Luna and other colleagues about various ideas, but I don't think anything's been settled on as of yet," Johnson said.

The DOJ declined to comment on Johnson's remarks when reached by Fox News Digital.

The lawsuit marks the latest escalation in the ongoing battle between House Republicans and the Biden administration over access to information related to the handling of classified documents by Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Republicans have accused the administration of politicizing the DOJ and selectively targeting Trump while ignoring potential wrongdoing by Biden. The administration has defended its actions, arguing that it is committed to following the rule of law and enforcing the law equally against all individuals.

The outcome of the legal battle will likely have significant implications for both the administration and the ongoing investigations into the handling of classified documents by Biden and Trump.