A recently released audio tape of a 2023 interview of then-President Joe Biden with Justice Department officials has rekindled national controversy surrounding Biden’s mental acuity to govern. The audio, made public by Axios, preserves instances of confusion and memory loss as Biden struggled to remember basic information about his own life, such as when he was vice president and the year his son Beau passed away.
His fragmented speech and inability to articulate answers coherently have caused an uproar, particularly among critics who claim the American public was kept in the dark.
Controversial Decision: No Charges Despite Damning Details
The interview, given in October 2023 by Special Counsel Robert Hur, was a part of an investigation into Biden’s management of the Obama-era classified documents. Even though Hur eventually chose not to pursue charges, his February 2024 report became embroiled in controversy by describing Biden as a “well-meaning, elderly man with poor memory.”
🚨BREAKING: Audio from Biden’s 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur has dropped.
He forgets names, dates, and stumbles through every single answer.
He was completely checked out.
pic.twitter.com/3LdlKfQbem— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 16, 2025
The White House and Democrats quickly denounced that description, but Hur’s report did affirm that Biden had indeed kept the materials.
Secrecy Surrounding the Audio Raises Red Flags
Officials released only the transcripts of the interview earlier. The Biden administration kept the audio secret by citing legal protections. The source of the recording remains unknown, although reports indicate the Trump campaign had been preparing to make the recording public.
The surprise release now raises speculation of a potential deliberate withholding of important information from the public.
As the audio spreads, social media reactions show a very divided public. Anger has mounted over the belief that there was a cover-up. “He was unable to carry out his official functions… So who did? Who plotted to keep it all under wraps?” one poster asked. Another contended, “All of 10/23 and beyond should be undone; he shouldn’t have been governing the nation!!!”
But not every response was political. One overwhelmingly emotional reaction was to weep for the human toll of the situation: “Honestly, hearing this brought tears to my eyes… I can’t get over the sense of mourning I feel for our country, for Biden as a human being… The Democrats own this entire sad era of Biden’s presidency.”
What Comes Next for Biden and the Democrats?
As internal Democratic tussles over Biden’s re-election bid escalate, the audio from the interview might influence both public opinion and political planning. The larger question is: Who is responsible when a leader is no longer capable of leading?
