On Friday, Merrick Garland, the Attorney General, designated U.S. Attorney David Weiss to oversee the investigation into Hunter Biden, along with any related inquiries that emerge from it.
In a media briefing in the capital, Garland stated, “Today I’m announcing David Weiss’s role as special counsel, in line with the Department of Justice’s procedures for such appointments. I’ve informed the key members of Congress about this decision.”
David Weiss, who has previously delved into Hunter Biden’s commercial ventures and subsequently pressed charges in Delaware, will continue in this special counsel role. This decision contradicts claims by Hunter Biden’s legal team that the investigation had concluded.
Garland mentioned that Weiss conveyed his belief that the probe had advanced to a point warranting his appointment as special counsel. “Given the unique nature of this case and after evaluating his request, I’ve decided it’s in the public’s best interest to appoint him in this capacity,” added Garland.
Prior to this announcement, the White House was unaware of Garland’s decision, according to a top Justice Department source.
Earlier in July, Weiss proposed a probationary plea deal for Hunter on tax evasion charges. However, this was declined by U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika due to concerns about the deal’s terms. Critics labeled the proposed deal as too lenient and continued their probe into the Biden family’s business undertakings, seeking potential grounds for impeachment.
Negotiations between federal prosecutors and Hunter’s defense hit a standstill following admissions that the investigation was ongoing.
Confirming the continuity of the probe, Garland, in an official statement, revealed Weiss’s mandate not just for the ongoing investigation, but also for any related matters.
This statement raises the potential of the investigation encompassing other Biden family members, including the President. However, when asked about the President’s involvement, a DOJ official refrained from commenting.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, criticized Weiss’s new role. “Weiss has previously approved a lenient plea deal that was rejected for being excessively favorable. We remain committed to unveiling truths brought forth by courageous informants and scrutinizing Weiss’s contradictory Congressional testimonies,” expressed Jordan’s spokesperson, Russell Dye.
Similarly, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., accused the DOJ of trying to shield alleged wrongdoings of the Biden family. “Today’s development is an attempt by the Biden-led Justice Department to sidestep the oversight of Congress,” Comer stated. He vowed to continue investigating the Bidens and scrutinize the Justice Department’s actions.
With the title of special counsel, Weiss gains extensive powers to investigate Hunter Biden without any obstruction from the current administration. Commenting on this, Fox News Legal Editor Kerri Kupec Urbahn opined that this move offers both Weiss and Garland “a level of safeguarding.” Urbahn explained that this role permits Weiss to continue his investigation and also provides Garland an opportunity to distance himself from the inquiry, which could be politically advantageous for him.
