Hunter Biden’s lawyer stated that if Republican investigators issue a new subpoena, Hunter will fully cooperate and participate in the deposition.
What Changed?
Hunter Biden’s attorney told the House Republican committee chairs that Hunter will comply with any new subpoenas requesting his deposition, a shift from his previous demand for public testimony.
This development came shortly after two House committees recommended declaring him in contempt of Congress for defying previous subpoenas.
Silent Showdown
Hunter attended one of these committee’s sessions, silently facing GOP lawmakers who sought to question him in an investigation potentially implicating President Biden. This development might influence the anticipated House vote on the contempt resolutions next week.
Potential DOJ Action
If Hunter Biden is found in contempt of Congress, the Department of Justice will assess the possibility of prosecuting him for not adhering to earlier subpoenas.
Validity of Subpoenas Questioned
In a recent letter, Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, informed two House Republican committee chairmen that the previous subpoenas were not legally valid. However, Lowell stated that if a new, legitimate subpoena is issued in light of the formally authorized impeachment inquiry, Mr. Biden will comply with a hearing or deposition.
Subpoena Acceptance
Lowell assured this compliance to James Comer of Kentucky, the Oversight Committee Chairman, and Jim Jordan from Ohio, the Judiciary panel’s head, stating that they would accept such a subpoena on Mr. Biden’s behalf.
Lowell’s Final Word
At the end of a detailed eight-page letter, Lowell extended his offer, criticizing the chairman for moving forward with contempt resolutions despite Biden’s earlier willingness to testify publicly.
Attorney Rebuts “Special Treatment” Claim
“You proceeded with a contempt process, erroneously claiming Mr. Biden was seeking ‘special treatment,’ despite Mr. Comer’s repeated and public statements about witnesses’ and Mr. Biden’s ability to testify at a deposition or hearing at their choice,” Lowell wrote.
Comer’s and Jordan’s committees haven’t yet responded to inquiries about Lowell’s letter.
Concerns Over Testimony Misrepresentation
Lowell has contended that a public hearing would stop Republicans from privately obtaining Biden’s testimony and possibly twisting or misrepresenting his words in media statements or other forums.
Legal Basis Disputed
In the letter to Comer and Jordan, the attorney emphasized that the purpose was to “make you aware … that your subpoenas were and are legally invalid and cannot form a legal basis to proceed with your misdirected and impermissible contempt resolution.”
Accusations of Misusing Power
The impeachment investigation focuses on claims that members of Joe Biden’s family, allegedly with the Democratic president’s participation, misused his political status and power for personal financial benefits.
Both the Bidens and the White House have vehemently denied any accusations of ‘influence peddling’ and maintain their innocence.
Biden’s Nine Criminal Counts
Hunter Biden appeared in a U.S. district court in Los Angeles on Thursday, pleading not guilty to nine criminal counts related to a tax-avoidance scheme he allegedly carried out over the years, coinciding with a period marked by extravagant and occasionally scandalous living.
His attorney contends that these charges are merely a politically motivated attack.
President’s Son’s International Business
Republicans have been concentrating on the international business activities of the president’s son, particularly with Ukrainian and Chinese firms, alleging that Joe Biden profited financially from Hunter Biden’s dealings, though these claims remain unverified.
Trial Start Date Set
The charges against Hunter Biden result from a prolonged inquiry by Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware, who was named special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in August.
The judge overseeing this case has provisionally set the trial’s start date for June 20, stating, “I’m kind of keeping you on a tight schedule. We like to move things along.”
Biden and Trump in Tight Competition
Recent polls show that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are neck and neck in favorability ratings among Americans. However, each has seen a dip in popularity compared to their 2020 matchup. Biden’s favorability stands at 41%, which is an eight-point drop from his 49% in October 2020.
Trump’s Favorability
This decline mirrors the trend in his job approval ratings, now more than 15 points below his above-50% ratings in his first presidential year. Meanwhile, Trump has a 42% favorability, slightly less than his 45% in October 2020, but showing improvement from his lower ratings in 2021 and 2022 following.
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