There is growing attention on the legal troubles of both Donald Trump and Hunter Biden. Recently, U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss has hinted that Hunter Biden may face criminal charges, adding to the already high-profile nature of his situation. This recent development, which came shortly after Weiss was promoted on Friday, suggests that there may be a dramatic courtroom scenario that could impact the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
This situation presents an unprecedented moment in American history – the son of a current president may face criminal charges as his father runs for re-election. This unfolds against a likely electoral face-off between President Joe Biden and Republican figure Donald Trump, who is facing multiple impending criminal trials.
It should be noted that Republicans in the House of Representatives are considering initiating an impeachment inquiry. This is based on alleged claims that President Biden benefitted from his son’s business dealings. Weiss, who has been delving into Hunter Biden’s activities since 2019, initiated misdemeanor criminal charges related to tax and firearms in June. A proposed plea deal was offered, but a federal judge rejected it.
In a court filing on Friday, Weiss communicated that communication between the two sides has deteriorated, asserting that “the case will not resolve short of a trial.”
At the same time as the filing, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated Weiss’s position to that of special counsel. This gives Weiss more power and freedom to carry out the investigation independently. In July, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to tax evasion charges exceeding $1.5 million in income from 2017 and 2018, despite a debt of over $100,000. He has not entered a plea in a separate case concerning the unlawful possession of a firearm while using illicit substances, a felony charge.
Notably, Weiss, originally appointed by Trump as U.S. Attorney for Delaware, retained his position during the Biden administration. In his capacity as special counsel, Weiss can operate with reduced Justice Department supervision and file charges across the United States. While Garland can overrule his actions, he must inform Congress if he chooses to do so.
Weiss suggested he might introduce distinct charges against Hunter Biden in Washington or California, where the alleged criminal activities transpired. A lawyer representing Hunter Biden expressed confidence that Weiss would not yield to political pressures, emphasizing pursuing a fair resolution devoid of political influence.
Upon completing his work, Weiss will present a report, a portion of which the Justice Department aims to make public. Garland underlined that this appointment underscores the department’s commitment to impartiality and accountability in sensitive matters.
Republicans have accused President Biden of capitalizing on his son’s business pursuits in Ukraine and China, although no concrete evidence of wrongdoing has been presented. The House of Representatives Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, suggested the possibility of an impeachment inquiry in the fall.
Amid these developments, the White House declined to comment, dismissing Republican claims as “baseless conspiracy theories” and affirming President Biden’s non-involvement in his son’s business affairs.
Hunter Biden’s diverse professional roles, including lobbying, legal consulting, and investment banking, have been accompanied by his public struggles with substance abuse.
Republicans have raised doubts about Weiss’s credibility to continue the investigation, with McCarthy questioning his trustworthiness as a Special Counsel due to the failed plea deal negotiation. This makes Weiss the third special counsel appointed by Garland to handle a politically sensitive investigation.
As these legal and political events unfold, Hunter Biden’s connections and actions have been scrutinized by various Republican congressional committees. In past interactions, he emphasized his family ties during his business ventures in Ukraine, but associates attested that these discussions did not involve business dealings.
Trump has consistently invoked Hunter Biden’s name to tarnish his father’s image, especially in the lead-up to a potential rematch in the 2024 presidential election. A spokesperson for Trump advocated for prompt action from Weiss, implying that both Biden and his son should face consequences.
In a June Reuters/Ipsos poll, half of Americans, including 75% of Republicans and 33% of Democrats, believed Hunter Biden received preferential treatment from Weiss. However, most respondents indicated that this perception wouldn’t affect their voting decisions in the upcoming year.