President Biden asserts executive privilege over his interview with special counsel Hur to prevent Congress from obtaining audio recordings. Attorney General Garland faces contempt of Congress for refusal to hand over the recording. Biden experienced mental lapses during the interview. Executive branch asserts official cannot be prosecuted for contempt of Congress. White House criticizes demand for audio recordings as politically motivated.
Key Points
President Biden asserted executive privilege over his interview with special counsel Robert Hur
Attorney General Merrick Garland faces contempt of Congress for refusing to hand over the recording
Biden experienced mental lapses during the interview with Hur
White House criticizes demand for recordings as politically motivated
Pros
Protects confidentiality of executive branch communications
Asserts legal rights of executive privilege
Cons
Could be perceived as obstructing congressional oversight
Raises questions about transparency and accountability