Former President Joe Biden is declining to appeal a court ruling that permits the Justice Department to publicize recordings of his conversations with a writer who collaborated on his memoir.
Key facts
- Former President Joe Biden is declining to appeal the court ruling.
- The ruling allows the Justice Department to publicize the recordings.
- The recordings are of conversations between Biden and a writer collaborating on his memoir.
- The development was reported by NPR on July 25, 2026.
Former President Joe Biden is declining to appeal a court ruling that allows the Justice Department to publicize recordings of conversations between him and a writer collaborating on his memoir, according to NPR.
The decision means the path is now clear for the Justice Department to release the recordings, which capture exchanges between Biden and the writer who worked with him on his memoir.
By choosing not to pursue an appeal, Biden effectively ends the legal process that could have kept the recordings from becoming public.
NPR reported the development on July 25, 2026. The outlet’s account focused on Biden’s decision not to challenge the ruling further.
The reporting does not detail when the recordings will be released or what additional steps, if any, remain before they become public.
Why it matters
Recordings of a former president discussing his memoir could offer an unusual window into his own account of his career and decisions. Because Biden is not appealing, the material appears set to enter the public record.
Frequently asked questions
Is Biden appealing the ruling?
No. According to NPR, Biden is declining to appeal the court ruling that allows the Justice Department to publicize the recordings.
What do the recordings contain?
They are recordings of conversations between Biden and a writer who was collaborating with him on his memoir, according to NPR.
Who wants to release the tapes?
The Justice Department, which the court ruling permits to publicize the recordings, according to NPR.

