In a recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Merrick Garland faced intense scrutiny regarding his involvement in the Hunter Biden case. The core of the matter revolved around allegations suggesting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) might have wielded its influence to shield Hunter Biden, the president’s son, from an IRS tax crime investigation.
Earlier this year, Chairman Jason Smith of the House Ways and Means Committee brought to light claims that senior officials within the DOJ and IRS might have intervened to safeguard Hunter Biden from a probe into a multi-million-dollar tax crime.
During the hearing, Rep. Mike Johnson, a staunch Republican representative from Louisiana, asked Garland whether he had communicated with anyone at the FBI headquarters about the investigation into Hunter Biden. Garland’s response could have been more reassuring. “I don’t recollect the answer to that,” he said. Johnson, not letting the matter slide, further inquired, “You don’t remember discussing an investigation involving the president’s son?” Garland responded, “I don’t believe that I did.”
This line of questioning highlighted a recurring theme throughout Garland’s testimony. He repeatedly seemed to sidestep direct questions, often citing either unfamiliarity with the subject or ongoing investigations. Such evasiveness only fuels concerns growing since President Joe Biden’s tenure began. The DOJ and FBI have been under the microscope, with accusations of partisan behavior, especially regarding their alleged efforts to protect Hunter Biden and his family.
Garland, in his opening remarks, vehemently denied these allegations. However, the revelations from two whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, paint a different picture. They allege that both agencies deliberately stalled the investigation. Shapley even mentioned that the IRS was discouraged from taking standard investigative steps due to the political “optics” involved.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Hunter Biden’s legal team was privy to “crucial information” about the investigation. In one instance, they were informed about documents in a storage unit in Northern Virginia, allowing them ample time to remove potential evidence.
The whistleblowers also highlighted that U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who was ostensibly leading the investigation into Hunter Biden, faced obstacles in pressing charges against him. This contradicts Garland’s repeated assertions that Weiss had “full authority” over the case.
Garland’s defense was that Weiss had as much authority as a special counsel, implying his independence from the DOJ’s influence. Yet, Shapley and Ziegler recommended three felony charges against Hunter Biden for unreported earnings from foreign sources. In contrast, Weiss proposed milder charges, which eventually fell apart due to procedural issues.
The day following the collapse of the plea agreement, Garland appointed Weiss as the special counsel for Hunter Biden’s case.
The recent testimony of Attorney General Merrick Garland has only intensified the scrutiny on the DOJ’s handling of the Hunter Biden case. The American people deserve transparency and accountability, especially when it concerns the highest offices in the land.