During a recent appearance on MSNBC’s “All In,” Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) argued that the recordings from Special Counsel Robert Hur’s investigation, which President Joe Biden claimed executive privilege over to prevent their release, do not contain any new information as the transcripts have already been made public. Therefore, Attorney General Merrick Garland should not be held in contempt for refusing to hand over the tapes.
Goldman pointed out that Republicans are pushing for Garland to be held in contempt because he complied with their subpoena by providing the transcript of Biden’s interview, but they are demanding the audiotape as well. He expressed confusion over why they would need the audiotapes when they already have the transcript, suggesting that perhaps they are unable to read.
He emphasized that the Department of Justice, and no other executive branch agency, has ever faced contempt charges for cooperating as much as Garland’s Department of Justice has. Goldman asserted that there is no legitimate reason for Republicans to insist on obtaining the audiotape when they already have all the necessary information from the transcript.
To stay updated, follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett.
