House

Republicans subpoena Biden ghost writer

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee on Friday subpoenaed President Biden’s ghost writer, advancing their efforts to gain access to recordings and a transcript of conversations referenced by special counsel Robert Hur.

Hur’s report indicates that Biden at three different times read passages from his notebook that references classified information while working with ghost writer Mark Zwonitzer to develop his memoir.

Zwonitzer at one point deleted the recordings, but they were recovered by Hur’s team, who did not recommend any charges for the ghost writer or Biden.

The escalation comes after Zwonitzer apparently initially agreed to turn over the materials, only to change course.

“On March 11, 2024—over two weeks after the return date on the original letter—your attorney informed the Committee you would not produce the documents without a subpoena compelling your cooperation,” committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) wrote in a letter accompanying the subpoena.

The subpoena is one of numerous efforts House Republicans have made to get their hands on materials related to Hur’s investigation.

In February the panel sent a letter to Hur requesting transcripts and audio recordings of Biden’s interviews with the special counsel.

The transcript has been released to the committee, and a review by media outlets including The Hill found there was more nuance to Hur’s claims surrounding Biden’s memory.