Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, may be facing a criminal trial, according to U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss. This development could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, as it would involve the son of a sitting president facing criminal charges while his father campaigns for re-election, potentially against Republican Donald Trump, who himself faces multiple upcoming criminal trials.
Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019, filed misdemeanor criminal tax and gun charges against him in June. However, a federal judge rejected a proposed plea deal. In a court filing on Friday, Weiss stated that talks between the two sides have broken down and that the government believes the case will not be resolved without a trial.
Shortly after this filing, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated Weiss to special counsel status, granting him additional authority and independence to pursue the investigation. Weiss may bring different charges against Hunter Biden in Washington or California, where the alleged criminal conduct took place.
Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty in July 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 charge of unlawfully owning a firearm while using illegal drugs, which is a felony.
Weiss, originally appointed as U.S. Attorney for Delaware by Trump, was allowed to remain in his position during the Biden administration. As a special counsel, he will be free from day-to-day supervision from the Justice Department and can file charges anywhere in the United States. However, Garland can overrule his proposed actions, but must notify Congress if he does so.
A lawyer for Hunter Biden expressed confidence that Weiss would not be influenced by political pressures and emphasized the need for a fair resolution. Hunter Biden has worked in various roles, including as a lobbyist, lawyer, consultant, and investment banker. He has publicly acknowledged his struggles with alcoholism and crack cocaine use.
Republicans have accused President Biden of benefiting from his son’s business ventures in Ukraine and China, although they have not provided evidence of any wrongdoing. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has suggested the possibility of launching an impeachment inquiry in the autumn. The White House has dismissed these allegations as “insane conspiracy theories” and has maintained that President Biden did not participate in his son’s business affairs.
Weiss is the third special counsel appointed by Garland to investigate politically sensitive matters. One of the other special counsels, Jack Smith, has filed criminal charges against Trump in two separate cases, while another, Robert Hur, is investigating whether Biden mishandled classified documents after leaving office as vice president.
Hunter Biden has been the subject of scrutiny by several Republican congressional committees. One former associate testified before the House Oversight Committee, stating that Hunter emphasized his family ties while conducting business in Ukraine nearly a decade ago, during his father’s vice presidency. However, the witness clarified that the conversations with Joe Biden did not involve business dealings.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump has frequently mentioned Hunter Biden in an attempt to tarnish his father’s reputation. Trump’s spokesperson, Stephen Cheung, called for Weiss to “quickly conclude” that both Biden and his son should face the necessary consequences.
A June Reuters/Ipsos poll found that half of Americans, including 75% of Republicans and 33% of Democrats, believed that Hunter Biden received preferential treatment from Weiss. However, most respondents stated that this belief would not impact their vote in the upcoming election.
The appointment of Weiss as special counsel underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to independence and accountability in sensitive matters, according to Garland. Weiss will produce a report upon completing his work, and the Justice Department will make it as public as possible.
Additional reporting by Sarah N. Lynch, Jeff Mason, Rami Ayyub, Moira Warburton, Jacqueline Thomsen, and David Ljunggren. Written by Andy Sullivan. Edited by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell.
What are the potential implications of Hunter Biden facing a criminal trial for the 2024 presidential election?
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, may be facing a criminal trial, according to U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss. This development has significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, as it would involve the son of a sitting president facing criminal charges while his father campaigns for re-election, potentially against Republican Donald Trump, who himself faces multiple upcoming criminal trials.
Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019, filed misdemeanor criminal tax and gun charges against him in June. However, a federal judge rejected a proposed plea deal. In a court filing on Friday, Weiss stated that talks between the two sides have broken down and that the government believes the case will not be resolved without a trial.
Shortly after this filing, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated Weiss to special counsel status, granting him additional authority and independence to pursue the investigation. Weiss may bring different charges against Hunter Biden in Washington or California, where the alleged criminal conduct took place.
Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty in July 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 charge of unlawfully owning a firearm while using illegal drugs, which is a felony.
Weiss, originally appointed as U.S. Attorney for Delaware by Trump, was allowed to remain in his position during the Biden administration. As a special counsel, he will be free from day-to-day supervision from the Justice Department and can file charges anywhere in the United States. However, Garland can overrule his proposed actions, but must notify Congress if he does so.
A lawyer for Hunter Biden expressed confidence that Weiss would not be influenced by political pressures and emphasized the need for a fair resolution. Hunter Biden has worked in various roles, including as a lobbyist, lawyer, consultant, and investment banker. He has publicly acknowledged his struggles with alcoholism and crack cocaine use.
Republicans have accused President Biden of benefiting from his son’s business ventures in Ukraine and China, although they have not provided evidence of any wrongdoing. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy has suggested the possibility of launching an impeachment inquiry in the autumn. The White House has dismissed these allegations as “insane conspiracy theories” and has maintained that President Biden did not participate.
This could have a significant impact on the political landscape. The potential criminal trial of Hunter Biden certainly adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming presidential election drama in 2024.