Hunter Biden defies subpoena, skips House deposition at Capitol
Hunter Biden Skips Deposition, Faces Contempt of Congress Proceedings
Despite his presence on Capitol Hill, Hunter Biden decided to skip a deposition with congressional investigators, potentially leading to contempt of Congress proceedings. House Republicans had warned of this outcome if Biden did not comply with the subpoena.
Outside the U.S. Capitol Building, Biden challenged Oversight Chairman James Comer to allow him to appear for a public hearing instead, where he would answer “legitimate” questions. He questioned why they were afraid and stated that he was ready to testify.
While Biden’s lawyer had previously made this offer, Comer insisted on a deposition. However, he did express openness to a public hearing after the closed-door interview.
Hunter Biden: “Let me state as clearly as I can; my father was not financially involved in my business…I am here to testify at a public hearing today to answer any of the Committee’s legitimate questions.” pic.twitter.com/DHsTvtQCgm
— CSPAN (@cspan) December 13, 2023
Inside the Capitol, Comer emphasized that House Republicans have been conducting a serious and transparent investigation. He reiterated their expectation for Biden to appear for a deposition. Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan stated that they would consider contempt of Congress proceedings, pending examination by their lawyers and the filing of a report.
BREAKING: James Comer and Jim Jordan react to Hunter Biden’s decision to skip today’s closed-door deposition. pic.twitter.com/ygWKlNsRYK
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) December 13, 2023
Democrats expressed support for Biden’s decision. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the oversight panel, argued that a closed deposition would prevent the public from seeing it and allow Republicans to manipulate evidence and distort statements made during the interview.
.@RepRaskin: “We are disappointed that we were not able to hear from Hunter Biden today…President Biden has done nothing wrong. They have not laid a glove on President Biden and they have no evidence of him committing any offense, much less an impeachable offense.” pic.twitter.com/XMd0FZfwdJ
— CSPAN (@cspan) December 13, 2023
Comer issued the subpoena as part of the corruption-focused impeachment inquiry into Biden’s father, President Joe Biden. Other subpoenas and interview requests have been sent to individuals such as the president’s brother, James Biden, as well as Hunter Biden’s art dealer and business associates.
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During his press conference, Hunter Biden denied any financial involvement by his father in his business affairs. He addressed the House committee’s investigations, stating that he wanted to prevent them from proceeding based on distortions, manipulated evidence, and lies. He also acknowledged his past mistakes and expressed accountability.
Biden also criticized the portrayal of him by the “MAGA Right” for their political purposes, including their focus on his struggle with drug addiction, in their attacks against his father.
The impeachment probe, led by the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees, has been investigating potential corruption within Biden’s family and the Department of Justice’s handling of a criminal probe into Hunter Biden. The GOP-led House is expected to vote on authorizing the impeachment inquiry later in the day.
Speaker Mike Johnson has described this step as necessary to combat alleged “stonewalling” by the White House. President Biden and his allies have denied any wrongdoing and argue that the impeachment probe is politically motivated.
What consequences could Hunter Biden face if Congress determines his refusal to comply with the subpoena constitutes contempt
Impeachable one.” pic.twitter.com/xI23Z9lHb0
— CSPAN (@cspan) December 13, 2023
This standoff between Hunter Biden and congressional investigators is the latest development in the ongoing investigation into his business dealings. The House Oversight and Judiciary Committees have been looking into potential conflicts of interest and allegations of corruption involving Biden’s work with foreign entities while his father, Joe Biden, served as Vice President.
Republicans have argued that Hunter Biden’s business activities raise questions about the potential influence his father may have had over foreign policy decisions during the Obama administration. They have sought to uncover any evidence of wrongdoing and determine whether any laws or ethical standards were violated.
Democrats, on the other hand, have accused Republicans of using this investigation as a political weapon to tarnish the reputation of President Biden and his family. They argue that there is no evidence of criminal activity or wrongdoing by Hunter Biden, and that the investigation is merely a partisan attempt to discredit the President.
With Hunter Biden’s refusal to comply with the subpoena for a closed-door deposition, the contempt of Congress proceedings now loom over the situation. If Congress determines that Biden’s refusal constitutes contempt, he could face legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.
It remains to be seen whether Hunter Biden will ultimately testify in a public hearing as he has requested. The decision lies with the Oversight Chairman and the committee, who will need to weigh the potential benefits of a public hearing against the concerns raised by Republicans about the manipulation of evidence and distortion of statements.
For now, the investigation into Hunter Biden’s business dealings continues, with both sides entrenched in their positions. It is a politically charged issue that further deepens the divide between Republicans and Democrats, with no clear resolution in sight.
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