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Attorney General Merrick Garland appoints a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe

by Gabriel Martinez
3 comments
Special Counsel Appointment

Attorney General Merrick Garland has officially designated a special counsel for the investigation involving Hunter Biden, marking a significant step in intensifying the scrutiny on the president’s son in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

On Friday, Garland disclosed that he has chosen David Weiss, the U.S. attorney from Delaware who has been examining the financial and business transactions of President Joe Biden’s offspring, to fulfill the role of special counsel. This development has emerged at a point where discussions regarding a plea deal in Hunter Biden’s case have reached an impasse.

The attorney general underscored the exceptional circumstances surrounding this matter as he made the announcement within the confines of the Justice Department.

Garland explained that Weiss personally requested to be designated as special counsel, conveying his belief that his investigation has advanced to a phase where he should continue his work in this capacity.

“After evaluating his appeal and considering the exceptional nature of this situation, I have concluded that it is in the best interest of the public to appoint him as special counsel,” Garland stated.

Hunter Biden’s legal representative did not respond to inquiries seeking commentary on Friday.

This announcement of a special counsel represents a substantial departure from the usual cautious approach taken by Garland. It coincides with two extensive inquiries being conducted by the Justice Department into former President Donald Trump, who stands as Joe Biden’s primary opponent in the forthcoming election.

Simultaneously, House Republicans are spearheading their own inquiry into Hunter Biden’s commercial dealings. However, their endeavors to establish a connection between the son’s activities and his father have encountered difficulties, as they have been unable to produce any evidence of wrongdoing.

Justice officials have not elaborated on the reasons behind this sudden action, following years of investigation into Hunter Biden, whose personal struggles with drug use and personal relationships have trailed alongside his father’s political career.

The legal proceedings are profoundly shaping the landscape of the 2024 presidential race in an unprecedented manner. Garland has now assigned special counsels to scrutinize Trump’s management of classified documents, his role in the January 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, and the recent announcement regarding Biden’s son.

Garland expressed his expectation that Weiss, in his role as special counsel, will conduct the investigation promptly, impartially, and with a sense of urgency. He assured Weiss of having access to all necessary resources for a comprehensive inquiry.

In the previous month, Hunter Biden’s proposed plea deal for charges related to tax evasion and a firearm offense collapsed, following concerns raised by U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was appointed by Trump.

Republicans criticized this arrangement, labeling it a “favorable” deal, while simultaneously pushing their own investigation.

Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, has been at the forefront of the congressional investigation into Hunter Biden’s financial dealings. He has procured extensive financial records from various Biden family members through subpoenas issued to both financial institutions and the Treasury Department.

Subsequent to Hunter Biden’s initial agreement with the government, Comer collaborated with the chairpersons of influential committees to initiate a more expansive examination into allegations made by two IRS agents. These agents claimed that the Justice Department inappropriately interfered in the prolonged case.

Republicans contended that Weiss was being obstructed from assuming the role of special counsel, an assertion refuted by both Weiss and the Justice Department.

Since then, Comer has brought in a former business associate of Hunter Biden, Devon Archer, whose closed-door testimony provided fresh insights into how the president’s son leveraged his relationship with his father, the former vice president, to attract foreign investors.

Archer revealed that Hunter Biden exploited the “illusion of access” in Washington. However, he presented no concrete evidence to suggest that Joe Biden had a hand in his son’s ventures beyond basic pleasantries exchanged during their routine family conversations.

With the appointment of Weiss as special counsel, he gains broader authority to conduct a more comprehensive investigation across various domains.

Weiss was nominated by Trump to serve as the U.S. attorney for Delaware in 2017 and retained his position after Biden assumed office, enabling him to continue overseeing the Hunter Biden investigation. He boasts prior experience as a prosecutor, handling cases of both violent crimes and white-collar offenses. He also worked in private practice during intervals between his tenures in the federal prosecutor’s office.

(Note: The original text has been paraphrased and completed as per the request.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Special Counsel Appointment

What is the significance of the special counsel appointment in the Hunter Biden probe?

The special counsel appointment for the Hunter Biden probe is a notable step taken by Attorney General Merrick Garland. It deepens the investigation into President Joe Biden’s son as the 2024 election approaches.

Who has been appointed as the special counsel for the Hunter Biden probe?

David Weiss, the U.S. attorney from Delaware, has been appointed as the special counsel for the Hunter Biden probe. He has been overseeing the investigation into the financial and business dealings of Hunter Biden.

Why did Attorney General Garland appoint a special counsel for this investigation?

Attorney General Garland appointed a special counsel due to the “extraordinary circumstances” surrounding the Hunter Biden probe. David Weiss, the special counsel, requested the appointment, indicating that the investigation had reached a stage warranting continuation in this capacity.

How does this special counsel announcement differ from Garland’s usual approach?

The appointment of a special counsel signifies a departure from Garland’s typically cautious approach. It represents an intensified focus on the investigation and aligns with other Justice Department inquiries into former President Donald Trump, a major contender against Joe Biden in the upcoming election.

What role do House Republicans play in this situation?

House Republicans are conducting their own inquiry into Hunter Biden’s business dealings. They are attempting to connect his activities with his father’s influence but have not yet produced substantial evidence of wrongdoing.

How has the plea deal for Hunter Biden unfolded?

The plea deal negotiations involving Hunter Biden hit an impasse, leading to its collapse. U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, appointed by Trump, raised concerns about the specifics of the agreement.

What is the broader impact of these legal proceedings on the 2024 presidential race?

The legal proceedings, including the appointment of special counsels, are reshaping the 2024 presidential race in an unprecedented manner. Investigations into both Trump and Biden-related matters are influencing the political landscape.

How is David Weiss qualified for the role of special counsel?

David Weiss was nominated by Trump as the U.S. attorney for Delaware in 2017 and retained his position under President Biden. He has extensive experience as a prosecutor, handling various cases, including violent crimes and white-collar offenses.

What does the future hold for the investigation with Weiss as special counsel?

Attorney General Garland expects Weiss to conduct an expedient and impartial investigation as special counsel. Weiss will have access to the necessary resources for a thorough inquiry into the Hunter Biden matter.

More about Special Counsel Appointment

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3 comments

CuriousGeorge August 12, 2023 - 2:21 am

wait, why’s dis special counsel guy Weiss gettin’ involved? What’s he gonna find dat dey ain’t already lookin’ at?

Reply
InfoJunkie101 August 12, 2023 - 4:06 am

So, dey say dis special counsel’s gonna dig into Hunter’s stuff even more? Wonder how dis gonna play out in dat 2024 election game.

Reply
InTheKnow August 12, 2023 - 1:50 pm

Garland’s usually all careful, but now he’s goin’ full blast with dis special counsel thing. Election drama, folks!

Reply

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