On a recent Friday, Attorney General Merrick Garland named a special counsel to intensify the inquiry into Hunter Biden, creating unexpected dynamics before the 2024 elections. Highlighting the “unique nature” of this situation, Garland selected David Weiss, the Delaware U.S. attorney already involved in examining Hunter Biden’s financial activities. This decision came after negotiations for a plea agreement in the case reached a standstill.
This unexpected shift puts the case spotlighting alleged tax evasion and a firearm-related charge involving Hunter Biden back into focus. Weiss, seeking more autonomy in the inquiry, had advocated for his appointment as a special counsel.
Amidst these developments, the Justice Department has indicted ex-President Donald Trump, seen as a major competitor to President Joe Biden in the upcoming election. This places the attention squarely on the Bidens as the 2024 election approaches.
Addressing the media, Garland anticipated the special counsel to operate swiftly and impartially. He pointed out that Weiss, appointed by Trump as a U.S. attorney, felt the need to proceed in this enhanced role at the current investigation stage.
The decision to appoint a special counsel, uncharacteristic of the typically reserved Garland, grants Weiss more freedom, power, and budgetary resources to delve deeper into the investigation. The reasoning behind Garland’s move remains somewhat ambiguous, but it coincided with revelations that plea discussions led by Weiss in the tax evasion matter had reached a deadlock.
Concerning the appropriate jurisdiction for the case, Weiss’s team hinted at California or Washington. Although Garland mentioned that Weiss always had jurisdictional flexibility, location considerations might have contributed to his desire for the special counsel designation.
This development means that both Trump and Hunter Biden will remain under the investigative lens as the election season progresses.
In Hunter Biden’s scenario, President Biden remains unimplicated in the ongoing probe surrounding his son’s affairs. Chris Clark, representing Hunter Biden, voiced his expectation for an unbiased resolution. The president has consistently asserted his non-involvement in his son’s business activities.
The Trump camp expressed skepticism about Weiss’s impartiality, urging a prompt conclusion to the investigation and justice for any misdemeanors discovered. In a related comment, Mike Pence, another 2024 presidential contender, conveyed his perspective on the situation, drawing a contrast with his own family.
Garland assured complete resource allocation for Weiss’s inquiry. Earlier, an agreement related to Hunter Biden involving tax evasion and a firearm charge fell apart due to concerns raised by a U.S. District Court Judge.
Republican members of the House criticized the agreement, probing into Hunter Biden’s professional transactions. Rep. James Comer, spearheading this inquiry, collaborated with prominent House committee chairs to investigate alleged Justice Department interference in the ongoing case. Despite these claims, Weiss and the Justice Department denied any obstruction to his appointment as a special counsel.
Comer, with other Republicans, opposed the special counsel’s appointment, framing it as a ploy by the Justice Department. They remain committed to their investigation.
Traditionally, special counsels handle cases where potential Justice Department conflicts arise or when public interest is evident. They operate with relative independence, though still under the attorney general’s purview. Expected to present a report summarizing their investigations, special counsels provide insights into their findings and decisions.
Lastly, Weiss, nominated by Trump in 2017 as the Delaware U.S. attorney, was retained post the Biden administration takeover, specifically to continue the Hunter Biden inquiry.
BREAKING: Special Counsel Formed to Investigate Hunter Biden pic.twitter.com/wsBu3T3dMb
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 11, 2023
