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The U.S. attorney overseeing the Hunter Biden inquiry addressed recent whistleblower claims on Friday. The allegations suggested that his investigation was influenced by politics and that he faced limitations when making prosecutorial decisions. Furthermore, Congress was denied the requested records for oversight purposes.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan had previously asked U.S. Attorney David Weiss to provide materials related to these allegations. In response, Weiss explained that he is currently unable to share the requested information.
He stated that the criminal investigation is ongoing and emphasized the need to protect confidential law enforcement information and deliberative communications.
Weiss, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, stated that he cannot provide specific details related to the Hunter Biden investigation at this time. Last month, the Justice Department disclosed that Hunter Biden, the president’s son, reached a plea agreement that is likely to keep him out of jail.
The charges include failing to pay federal income tax as required and possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of controlled substances. Whistleblowers, including Gary Shapley Jr., who led the IRS portion of the Hunter Biden investigation, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee in May.
They alleged that Weiss faced limitations and was frequently marginalized by DOJ officials when making prosecutorial decisions. Shapley also claimed that Weiss’s request for special counsel authority was denied.
However, Weiss refuted these allegations and reiterated that he holds ultimate authority over the matter. He clarified that his charging authority is limited to his home district in Delaware. If the venue of a case lies elsewhere, it is customary for Weiss to contact the respective U.S. Attorney’s Office and explore collaboration.
In instances where collaboration is not feasible, Weiss may request Special Attorney status from the Attorney General. Weiss highlighted that, in this specific case, he has been assured of possible grants of authority in the District of Columbia, the Central District of California, or any other district where charges could be brought.
Weiss maintains that the investigation into Hunter Biden remains ongoing. He expressed willingness to discuss the whistleblower allegations in more detail with the committee while adhering to the law and Department policy.
Weiss assured that the DOJ would cooperate with the committee to determine an appropriate timeline and scope for the discussions. His response was prompted by letters from Jordan, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith.
These letters requested transcribed interviews with Weiss and several other officials connected to the years-long probe into the president’s son.
The lawmakers stressed the importance of holding federal employees accountable and restoring the equal enforcement of the law. They referred to whistleblower evidence indicating attempts to cover up for the Bidens.
The joint statement from Comer, Jordan, and Smith underscored the responsibility of the federal government to work for the American people and addressed concerns regarding the weaponization of federal law enforcement power.
Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee will lead the investigation into the Justice Department and FBI, while Comer and the House Oversight Committee will focus on the Secret Service. Smith at the House Ways and Means Committee will take the lead on the IRS-related aspects of the investigation.