Republicans are “absolutely” pushing to challenge President Joe Biden’s use of executive privilege to block the release of an audio recording from his interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, according to Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), a member of the House Judiciary Committee.
Armstrong mentioned that the full House would consider holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt. However, the critical question remains whether Congress can act before the presidential election. Addressing the potential legal challenge to Biden’s use of executive privilege to withhold the audio recording, Armstrong explained that there is existing precedent indicating that once information is released to the media, executive privilege is waived.
He stated, “I think we can agree there is no valid executive privilege claim here. But more importantly, once he waived it by releasing it to the media, the privilege is forfeited. Despite the slower pace of the court system, it’s crucial that we maintain the House and proceed with this matter, given its significant impact not only on this election.”
Armstrong stressed that even if Congress cannot secure the audio before the election, the effort to push the issue should continue.
When asked about the likelihood of a court challenge, Armstrong confirmed, “My chairman, Jim Jordan, and I are committed to pursuing this matter as aggressively as possible, even in court if necessary.”
