Joe Biden Tapes Reveal Talks on Classified Documents

Conservative activists released audio recordings from 2016‑2017 in which former President Joe Biden discusses classified documents and his notes while working with ghostwriter Mark Zwonitzer on his memoir. The tapes, obtained by The Oversight Project of the Heritage Foundation after a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, show Biden saying, “I just found all the classified stuff downstairs,” and expressing difficulty recalling names of advisers.

The recordings were part of Special Counsel Robert K. Hur’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified material after his vice‑presidential term. Hur’s February 2024 report concluded no criminal charges were warranted, noting Biden’s “memory was significantly limited.” The release has reignited political criticism over Biden’s mental acuity and the handling of sensitive documents during his 2024 presidential campaign.