U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019, stated that President Joe Biden’s son may face a criminal trial, indicating that the 2024 presidential election could involve significant courtroom drama. This potential trial would be unprecedented in U.S. history, with the son of a sitting president facing criminal charges while his father campaigns for re-election. It is worth noting that former President Donald Trump also faces multiple upcoming criminal trials. Additionally, Republicans in the House of Representatives are considering an impeachment inquiry into unproven allegations that President Biden benefited from his son’s business ventures.
In June, Weiss filed misdemeanor criminal tax and gun charges against Hunter Biden. However, a federal judge rejected a proposed plea deal. Weiss recently stated in a court filing that negotiations between the two sides have broken down, and he believes that the case will not be resolved without a trial. This announcement came shortly after U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated Weiss to special counsel status, granting him more authority and independence in pursuing the investigation.
Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to pay taxes on over $1.5 million in income in 2017 and 2018, despite owing more than $100,000. He also faces a separate case where he is charged with unlawfully owning a firearm while using illegal drugs, which is a felony.
Weiss, originally appointed by Trump as U.S. Attorney for Delaware, will now operate as a special counsel, free from day-to-day supervision by the Justice Department. He will have the ability to file charges anywhere in the United States, although Garland can overrule his proposed actions, with the requirement to notify Congress if he does so. Weiss has indicated that he may bring different charges against Hunter Biden in Washington or California, where the alleged criminal conduct occurred.
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Chris Clark, expressed confidence that Weiss would not succumb to political pressures and emphasized the need for a fair resolution. Weiss will produce a report upon completing his work, and the Justice Department will make it as public as possible. Garland highlighted that Weiss’s appointment demonstrates the department’s commitment to independence and accountability in sensitive matters.
Republicans have accused President Biden of benefiting from his son’s business ventures in Ukraine and China, although they have not provided evidence of wrongdoing. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested the possibility of launching an impeachment inquiry in the autumn. The White House declined to comment, reiterating their dismissal of Republican allegations as baseless conspiracy theories and emphasizing that President Biden did not participate in his son’s business affairs.
Hunter Biden has held various professional roles and has publicly acknowledged his struggles with alcoholism and crack cocaine use. Republicans have questioned Weiss’s credibility to continue the investigation, citing the failed plea deal negotiations. Weiss is the third special counsel appointed by Garland to investigate politically sensitive matters.
In previous administrations, special counsels have investigated significant events such as the outing of a CIA agent and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Hunter Biden has been a subject of interest for several Republican congressional committees. Testimony from a former associate indicated that Hunter emphasized his family ties while conducting business in Ukraine, but conversations with his father did not involve business dealings.
Trump has frequently mentioned Hunter Biden in an attempt to tarnish his father’s reputation as they potentially face off in the 2024 presidential election. A June RushHourDaily/Ipsos poll found that half of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, believed that Hunter Biden received preferential treatment from Weiss. However, most respondents stated that this belief would not impact their voting decisions in the upcoming election.
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