Former President Joe Biden participated in the dedication ceremony of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.
Recently uncovered audio recordings seem to reveal Biden discussing sensitive information with his ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer, while showing signs of memory issues. These findings come from the Oversight Project, which has previously reported on Biden’s administration and its use of the autopen. They released these tapes and transcripts after joining the Heritage Foundation in a lawsuit to obtain them from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
These recordings from 2016 and 2017 are part of an inquiry led by Special Counsel Robert Hur into the potential mishandling of classified materials by Biden. Both groups argue that the public should have access to this information, as it’s a matter of great public interest, and they believe its release will support governmental transparency.
Despite attempts by Biden’s legal team to prevent the release of these materials, a federal appeals court ruled against them last week. The Oversight Project stated that this release marks the culmination of over two years of legal battles aimed at providing transparency regarding Biden’s actions as president.
According to the Oversight Project, the audio indicates a more serious disclosure of classified information than previously noted by Hur, who decided not to press charges against the former Vice President. The organization noted that throughout the recordings, Biden indicates that the information being discussed is probably classified, marked by substantial redactions in the audio. They assert that this suggests Biden was aware he was sharing classified details with his ghostwriter.
The transcripts indicate that Biden disclosed information about the CIA and the Department of Defense. In one recorded instance, Biden mentions finding classified materials while noting, “Some of this may be classified, so be careful with it.” He also reflects on having extensive notes that he hadn’t shared before.
Sections of the recordings also highlight moments that some interpret as indicators of cognitive decline. In a 2017 conversation, Biden struggled to remember the name of Representative Jim Clyburn and expressed confusion, saying things like “I’m so confused” and “I can’t remember.”
The Oversight Project claimed this audio illustrates why Biden avoided public speaking during his campaign, suggesting that a lack of public engagement helped mask his cognitive decline. They noted that the recordings are filled with pauses and hesitations, likening Biden’s speech to a buffering internet connection. Their president, Mike Howell, emphasized that the issues extend well before Biden’s presidential run and called for accountability.
In response, Biden’s spokesperson, TJ Ducklo, criticized the decision to make public Biden’s past conversations concerning his late son, alleging it represents an abuse of the DOJ for political ends. Ducklo stated that these conversations were supposed to remain private and making them public is inappropriate. He affirmed that while Biden disagrees with the ruling, he respects the judiciary’s vital role in democracy.
