The political storm surrounding Hunter Biden took another twist on Monday when special counsel David Weiss responded strongly to President Joe Biden’s comments about the prosecution of his son.
When President Biden issued a full pardon for Hunter on Monday, he called the legal action against his son a “miscarriage of justice,” accusing it of being “infected” by “raw politics.” These remarks didn’t sit well with Weiss, who oversaw the prosecutions that led to Hunter’s convictions on tax and gun charges. In a scathing report, Weiss called the president’s words “gratuitous and wrong.”
Weiss Fires Back: A Defense of the Justice System
In his response, Weiss pointed out that while other presidents have pardoned family members, none used the moment to criticize the Department of Justice. He argued that Biden’s comments were based on “false accusations” and undermined the fairness of America’s justice system.
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, didn’t hold back either, accusing Weiss of abusing his power and reneging on a plea agreement after facing intense political pressure. Lowell went on to say that prosecutors had chased “wild – and debunked – conspiracies” that wasted millions of taxpayer dollars.
What Was Hunter Biden Convicted Of?
In June, a jury found Hunter Biden guilty of lying on a federal form about his drug use, as well as illegally possessing a firearm. He also pleaded guilty to tax crimes, which could have resulted in up to 17 years in prison. However, after the pardon, Hunter was shielded from further charges and any potential prison time related to offenses committed from 2014 to 2024.
A Controversial Pardoning Move
The president’s decision to grant Hunter a full pardon raised eyebrows. Not only did it spare him from serving jail time, but it also protected him from future prosecutions related to his actions over the past decade. But while the president stood by his son, Weiss defended the original charges. He called them the result of “impartial investigations” and suggested that the president’s comments were harmful to the integrity of the justice system.
The Foreign Agent Investigation: What’s Next?
One potential area still under scrutiny is Hunter Biden’s work with foreign companies, which could lead to charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Despite this, Weiss didn’t pursue any new charges, explaining that there wasn’t enough evidence to suggest any wrongdoing in this area.
However, Weiss didn’t shy away from revealing some uncomfortable details about Hunter’s lifestyle during the investigation. The report highlighted that between 2016 and 2020, Hunter earned more than $7 million, but instead of paying his taxes, he spent the money on lavish luxuries, including drugs, escorts, and expensive cars. When he finally did pay some taxes, he falsely claimed personal expenses as business deductions.
Conclusion: A Tale of Legal Challenges and Family Ties
Hunter Biden’s legal battle is a cautionary tale of how personal and political matters can become entangled in the courtroom. As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the public will accept the president’s defense of his son, or if the accusations and investigations will lead to more legal battles down the line. What’s clear, though, is that this case is far from over, and it has raised serious questions about the intersection of law and politics in America.
