Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has refused to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, which is investigating his overseas business dealings. He has also defended his business record and denied any influence peddling or corruption.
Hunter Biden wants a public hearing, not a closed-door deposition
The committee, led by Republican Rep. James Comer, has subpoenaed Hunter Biden to appear for a closed-door transcribed interview on Dec. 13. The committee wants to question him about his involvement in various business ventures in China, Ukraine, and other countries, and whether he leveraged his father’s position as vice president to benefit himself or his associates.
However, Hunter Biden has rejected the subpoena and offered to testify at a public hearing instead. He argues that a closed-door deposition would allow the committee to manipulate and distort his testimony and misinform the public. He also claims that the committee has no legitimate oversight interest in his personal affairs and that the subpoena is part of a baseless impeachment inquiry against his father.
Abbe Lowell, Hunter Biden’s lawyer, sent a letter to the committee on Wednesday, citing a previous statement by Comer that he could bring in witnesses “for depositions or committee hearings, whichever they choose”. Lowell wrote that Hunter Biden is making this choice “because the Committee has demonstrated time and again it uses closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort, the facts and misinform the American public – a hearing would ensure transparency and truth in these proceedings”.
Comer threatens Hunter Biden with contempt, accuses him of hiding the truth
Comer has dismissed Hunter Biden’s offer and insisted on a closed-door deposition to avoid grandstanding by Democratic lawmakers. He has also threatened to hold Hunter Biden in contempt if he defies the subpoena, which could lead to criminal prosecution by the Justice Department.
Comer and Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued a joint statement on Wednesday, accusing Hunter Biden of hiding the truth and obstructing the committee’s investigation. They said that Hunter Biden’s business deals raise serious questions about his father’s conduct and judgment as vice president and president.
“It’s just a bunch of lies,” President Joe Biden told reporters on Wednesday when asked about meeting with his son’s business associates.
Hunter Biden faces multiple legal challenges, maintains his innocence
The House subpoena is not the only legal challenge that Hunter Biden faces. He is also under indictment on gun charges brought by special counsel David Weiss, who is investigating his tax affairs and foreign transactions. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
In addition, he has requested to subpoena former President Donald Trump and others from his administration for documents related to his case. He argues that the charges against him are a result of selective or vindictive prosecution by Trump and his allies, who have targeted him for political reasons.
However, federal prosecutors have opposed his request, saying that there is no evidence of any improper influence or interference in the investigation. They also say that the documents he seeks are irrelevant, privileged, or confidential.
Hunter Biden has maintained his innocence and defended his business record, saying that he has done nothing wrong or unethical. He has also said that he regrets putting his father in a difficult position and that he is proud of his achievements.
