Biden Claims Republicans Manipulate Evidence and Lies
Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, declined to participate in closed-door questioning by Republican lawmakers investigating his business dealings. He insisted that he would only testify in a public hearing. Biden was compelled to appear for a deposition as part of a subpoena issued by House investigators, but instead, he held a news conference outside the Capitol where he criticized Republicans for their alleged distortions, manipulated evidence, and lies.
In his prepared statement, Biden asserted that there was no basis for any impeachment inquiry against his father, a Democrat. He expressed his willingness to answer the committee’s legitimate questions in a public hearing, suggesting that Republicans were afraid of an open process that would expose their baseless inquiry. Biden questioned, “What are they afraid of?”
Hunter Biden Denies Financial Involvement of His Father
Biden made it clear that his father was not financially involved in his business affairs. He stated, “My father was not financially involved in my business — not as a practicing lawyer, not as a board member of Burisma, not in my partnership with a Chinese private businessman, not in my investments at home nor abroad, and certainly not as an artist.” Hunter Biden’s association with Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, has been a subject of scrutiny.
Regarding the impeachment inquiry, Biden emphasized that irresponsible financial behavior during his addiction should not be grounds for such an investigation. He labeled the allegations as shameless and baseless, asserting that there is no evidence to support claims of his father’s financial involvement in his business.
Republicans Vow Contempt Proceedings Against Hunter Biden
Republican Representatives James Comer and Jim Jordan reacted to Hunter Biden’s refusal to comply with the subpoena by promising to initiate contempt proceedings against him. They stated that Biden defied a lawful subpoena and would not receive any special treatment due to his last name.
Biden’s defense lawyers have consistently attempted to move the questioning to a public forum, arguing that a private session would be selectively leaked by Republicans to damage both Hunter Biden and his father. However, Comer and his allies were determined that the deposition should proceed.
Complex Legal Issues Plague Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden faces a range of legal issues in addition to the ongoing impeachment inquiry. He was on the verge of resolving a long-standing criminal investigation with a plea deal that would have spared him prison time. The deal involved pleading guilty to two tax misdemeanors and completing a diversion program. However, the agreement fell through, and David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware, was appointed as a special counsel.
Weiss’ team has secured two indictments against Hunter Biden for tax and firearms issues covered by the original plea deal and diversion agreement. The first indictment, in Los Angeles, accuses Biden of failing to file taxes for several years during his documented crack cocaine addiction. The charges also include tax evasion and filing a false return by misclassifying certain expenses. Biden’s attorneys have highlighted that he has since paid off his tax debts.
In Delaware, Biden faces an indictment for lying about his drug use on a government form when purchasing a gun in 2018. His defense lawyers have filed motions to dismiss the case, arguing that it was vindictively and selectively prosecuted and a product of congressional pressure that infringed on the separation of powers. They are also attempting to dismiss the case based on violating the diversion agreement.
The legal battle surrounding Hunter Biden continues to unfold as he fights against various charges and seeks dismissal on multiple grounds.