Tapper Slams Biden DOJ for Withholding Hur Tapes, Disputes Goldman's Claims

CNN's Jake Tapper has strongly criticized the Biden administration for withholding audio tapes of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interview with President Biden from Congress, arguing that there is "no basis" for doing so.

CNN's Jake Tapper has joined the chorus of voices criticizing the Biden administration for its decision to withhold audio tapes of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interview with President Biden from Congress. During a heated exchange on Wednesday, Tapper challenged Representative Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), who argued that the move was politically motivated and not based on legitimate concerns.

Tapper highlighted the fact that the Justice Department has so far refused to release the tapes, despite making transcripts of the interview public. The department has argued that releasing the audio could pose a security risk due to advances in audio manipulation technology, but Tapper dismissed these concerns, saying that Congress has a legitimate need for the tapes as part of its oversight role.

Tapper Slams Biden DOJ for Withholding Hur Tapes, Disputes Goldman's Claims

"There's really no basis for the Justice Department to not give the audio recordings to Congress either," Tapper told Goldman bluntly.

Goldman, a former federal prosecutor and impeachment lawyer, defended the DOJ's actions, arguing that the transcripts of the interview are sufficient and that releasing the tapes would serve no legitimate legislative purpose. He accused Republicans of using the contempt resolution as a political tool to damage Biden.

Tapper Slams Biden DOJ for Withholding Hur Tapes, Disputes Goldman's Claims

However, Tapper countered that the transcripts alone may not provide the full context and nuance of the interview, and that Congress has a right to review all available evidence. He also noted that the Republican-led House has been consistent in its efforts to hold the Biden administration accountable, raising concerns about the president's handling of classified documents and his mental fitness.

Tapper's criticism comes amid growing pressure on the Biden administration to be more transparent and cooperative with Congress. In recent months, several former attorneys general have been found in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas.

Tapper Slams Biden DOJ for Withholding Hur Tapes, Disputes Goldman's Claims

The dispute over the Hur tapes has further strained the relationship between the Biden administration and Congress, and it remains unclear whether the DOJ will ultimately release the tapes. The ongoing investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents is expected to continue to be a source of political tension and uncertainty.