House Republicans demand answers from Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has been subpoenaed by House Republicans to testify about his overseas business deals. The House Oversight and Accountability Committee, led by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), wants to question Hunter Biden about his involvement in 20 shell companies that received millions of dollars from foreign entities in Ukraine, China and elsewhere. The committee also alleges that Hunter Biden funneled money to his father, who was then vice president, in exchange for influence and favors.
The subpoena, issued on Nov. 8, 2023, requires Hunter Biden to appear for a closed-door deposition on Dec. 6, 2023. However, Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, has rejected the subpoena as a “fishing expedition” and a “political stunt”. Lowell has accused the House Republicans of repeating “worn-out, false, baseless or debunked claims” that have been investigated and dismissed by multiple authorities.
Lowell has also offered to have Hunter Biden testify at an open hearing in December, rather than a closed-door deposition, to avoid a “cloaked, one-sided process”. Lowell said that Hunter Biden has nothing to hide and is willing to cooperate with a fair and transparent inquiry. He also challenged the House Republicans to produce any evidence of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden or his father.
Hunter Biden’s former business partner contradicts White House denials
One of the key witnesses that the House Republicans hope to question is Devon Archer, a former business partner of Hunter Biden. Archer was present at a dinner in April 2015 at Cafe Milano, a Washington restaurant, where Hunter Biden allegedly introduced his father to Vadym Pozharskyi, an executive of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Hunter Biden was a board member of Burisma at the time, earning up to $50,000 a month.
The dinner has been a source of controversy, as the White House has repeatedly denied that Joe Biden ever met Pozharskyi or discussed Hunter Biden’s business affairs with him. An email from Pozharskyi, dated the day after the dinner, thanked Hunter Biden for the opportunity to meet his father. However, the White House has dismissed the email as unreliable and said that Joe Biden’s official schedule did not include any meeting with Pozharskyi.
However, Archer testified before the House Oversight Committee on July 31, 2023, under penalty of perjury, that Joe Biden did indeed dine with Hunter Biden, Pozharskyi and several others at Cafe Milano in April 2015. Archer said that Joe Biden was cordial and friendly, but did not talk about any business matters. Archer also said that Hunter Biden often put his father on speakerphone with business partners, but only to sell “the illusion of access” and not to influence any policy decisions.
Hunter Biden’s foreign deals under scrutiny
Hunter Biden’s foreign deals have been under scrutiny since 2019, when former President Donald Trump and his allies accused Joe Biden of abusing his power as vice president to pressure Ukraine to fire a prosecutor who was investigating Burisma. Trump also asked China to investigate Hunter Biden’s business ventures there. Trump’s actions led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives, but he was acquitted by the Senate.
Since then, more details have emerged about Hunter Biden’s foreign deals, mainly from a laptop that he allegedly left at a Delaware repair shop in 2019. The laptop contained emails, photos, videos and other documents that suggested that Hunter Biden leveraged his father’s name and position to secure lucrative contracts and favors from foreign governments and companies. The laptop also revealed Hunter Biden’s struggles with drug addiction and personal problems.
The laptop’s contents were first reported by the New York Post in October 2020, just weeks before the presidential election. However, many mainstream media outlets and social media platforms dismissed or suppressed the story, citing doubts about its authenticity and relevance. The FBI and the Justice Department have confirmed that they are investigating the laptop and its contents, but have not disclosed any findings or charges.
Hunter Biden’s testimony could have political implications
Hunter Biden’s testimony, if it happens, could have significant political implications for his father and his administration. Joe Biden has repeatedly defended his son from criticism and said that he is proud of him. Joe Biden has also denied any involvement or knowledge of his son’s business dealings and said that he has never discussed them with him. Joe Biden has also dismissed the House Republicans’ investigation as a “smear campaign” and a “distraction” from the real issues facing the country.
However, Hunter Biden’s testimony could potentially contradict or undermine Joe Biden’s statements and damage his credibility and reputation. It could also provide new ammunition for the Republicans to attack Joe Biden and his agenda, especially ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Moreover, it could expose Hunter Biden to legal risks, as he could face perjury charges if he lies or conceals any information from the Congress.
On the other hand, Hunter Biden’s testimony could also clear the air and put an end to the speculation and controversy over his foreign deals. It could also show that Hunter Biden has nothing to hide and that he has not committed any crime or wrongdoing. It could also demonstrate that Joe Biden has not abused his power or violated any ethics rules in relation to his son’s business affairs. Furthermore, it could shift the focus back to the policy issues and challenges that Joe Biden and his administration are trying to address.
