Leaked Audio Reveals Biden’s Word-Finding Difficulties and Key Memory Gaps During Special Counsel Hur Interview

A recently leaked audio recording from a past interview between President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Robert Hur has sparked renewed debate over the president's mental acuity. The excerpt—released by Axios—captures moments where Biden appears to have difficulty recalling significant personal and professional milestones, such as the date of his son Beau's death and the end of his vice presidency.

During the session, Special Counsel Hur questioned Biden as part of an investigation into the former vice president’s handling of classified documents after leaving office in 2017. According to the audio, Biden hesitated when asked about key dates, at times pausing or expressing uncertainty before answering. In one instance, Biden struggled to pinpoint the year of Beau’s passing, momentarily confusing it with other family events.

“If it was 2015—when did my son die?” Biden was heard asking at one point in the recording, indicating his uncertainty about the timeline. He also appeared unsure when discussing the exact timing of his departure from the White House, referencing events he said happened “shortly after I left as vice president” but pausing to clarify the sequence.

This development comes at a sensitive moment for the administration, as questions regarding the president’s memory and cognitive health have surfaced repeatedly since Special Counsel Hur’s report was published earlier this year.

• The investigation centers on documents found at Biden’s private residence and a former office, raising concerns about potential mishandling of sensitive information.
• Hur’s report described Biden as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory,” fueling ongoing political discourse.
• Biden and his allies have repeatedly defended his mental fitness, pointing to his extensive experience and commitment to public service.

White House officials criticized the leak, calling the release of private interview audio “politically motivated.” Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers seized on the tape as further evidence that Biden may be unfit for another term in office.
The latest revelations are likely to intensify scrutiny as the president continues his campaign, underscoring the high stakes as both parties prepare for a contentious election season.