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Investigation

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley has made public an unclassified FBI memo, which Republicans claim is crucial to their investigation of Hunter Biden’s activities in Ukraine. The probe involves the financial affairs of President Joe Biden and his son, reviving previously debunked allegations of wrongdoing.

Sen. Grassley, from Iowa, has been working with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) as they intensify their investigation of the Bidens before the 2024 election. Comer had issued a subpoena to obtain the FBI document.

Although some lawmakers on the Oversight Committee had already seen parts of the information, this is the first time the complete document, containing raw and unverified data, has been released to the public. Known as the FD-1023 form, it includes claims made in 2020 by a confidential informant about Hunter Biden’s alleged business dealings during his time on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. However, leading Republicans admit they cannot confirm the veracity of this information.

Sen. Grassley stated, “The American people can now read this document for themselves.”

The memo adds to information that was widely discussed during Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial, where Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani attempted to dig up damaging information on the Bidens before the 2020 election. It was also reviewed by the Department of Justice, initiated by Trump’s Attorney General William Barr in 2020, and subsequently closed.

The White House spokesman, Ian Sams, criticized congressional Republicans for persistently pushing debunked claims, ignoring previous reviews and impeachment proceedings that found these allegations lacked credibility. He accused them of engaging in shameless and dishonest politics.

According to the four-page document, the confidential informant claims to have been involved in meetings with Burisma officials in 2015 or 2016. The informant alleges that the officials discussed their relationship and dealings with Hunter Biden, with one company official stating they believed having Hunter on the Burisma board would offer protection from potential problems due to his father’s influence.

In another instance, a top company official suggested paying $5 million to each of the Bidens to influence the removal of Ukraine’s prosecutor general at the time, Viktor Shokin, as per the document.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, emphasized that similar allegations made by Giuliani were already thoroughly reviewed and debunked. He pointed out that Donald Trump’s own Justice Department investigated the claims and found insufficient evidence to warrant further investigation.

Despite these past assessments, Comer emphasized the importance of allowing the American people to read the document and praised Sen. Grassley for providing transparency. Grassley explained that he was able to release a more comprehensive version because whistleblowers made it available to him.

Comer’s panel recently held a hearing with two IRS whistleblowers who claimed Justice Department interference in their investigation of Hunter Biden’s financial affairs. The Justice Department denied these claims, stating that they are cautious about bringing charges with political implications close to an election.

Hunter Biden, a recovering addict, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges related to his finances recently. Republicans criticized the plea agreement with federal prosecutors, labeling it a “sweetheart deal.” U.S. Attorney David Weiss in Delaware, the top prosecutor in the case, expressed his willingness to testify before the House panel after he can legally share information without violating the department’s policy on discussing ongoing investigations. This testimony could follow Hunter Biden’s upcoming plea hearing next week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Investigation

What is the significance of the FBI memo released by Sen. Chuck Grassley?

The released FBI memo is considered significant as it forms part of the investigation into Hunter Biden’s work in Ukraine and the financial affairs of President Joe Biden and his son. Republicans are revisiting previously debunked claims and examining potential wrongdoing ahead of the 2024 election.

What does the FD-1023 form contain?

The FD-1023 form contains raw, unverified information. It includes claims made by a confidential informant in 2020 about Hunter Biden’s alleged business dealings during his time on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma.

What are some of the claims made in the FBI memo?

According to the confidential informant, Burisma officials had discussions with Hunter Biden about their relationship and dealings. One company official reportedly mentioned keeping Hunter on the board for protection through his father’s influence. Additionally, another top company official suggested a $5 million payment to each of the Bidens to influence the removal of Ukraine’s prosecutor general.

Have the claims in the FBI memo been verified?

No, the claims in the memo remain unverified. Top Republicans have acknowledged that they cannot confirm the accuracy of the information.

How does this FBI memo connect to previous events?

The memo adds to information that was previously aired during Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial. Trump’s attorney, Rudy Giuliani, attempted to unearth damaging information on the Bidens before the 2020 election. The Department of Justice also reviewed these claims, initiated by Attorney General William Barr in 2020, and closed the assessment later that year.

What is the response from the White House and Democrats?

The White House and Democrats have criticized congressional Republicans for persistently pushing debunked claims and disregarding previous reviews and impeachment proceedings that found these allegations lacking credibility. They accuse Republicans of engaging in shameless and dishonest politics.

Is there any evidence to support the claims made in the FBI memo?

As of now, there is no confirmed evidence supporting the claims in the memo. Previous reviews and investigations have found insufficient evidence to warrant further action.

What’s the stance of the Justice Department on the whistleblower claims?

The Justice Department has denied the whistleblower claims made by IRS whistleblowers who alleged interference in the investigation of Hunter Biden’s financial affairs.

What legal actions are being taken against Hunter Biden?

Hunter Biden recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges related to his finances after years of tax delinquency. Some Republicans have criticized the plea agreement with federal prosecutors, labeling it a “sweetheart deal.”

Is U.S. Attorney David Weiss willing to testify?

Yes, U.S. Attorney David Weiss in Delaware, the top prosecutor in Hunter Biden’s case, expressed his willingness to testify before the House panel once he is legally able to share information without violating the department’s policy on discussing ongoing investigations. His testimony could follow Hunter Biden’s upcoming plea hearing next week.

More about Investigation

  • “Grassley releases full FBI memo with unverified claims about Hunter Biden’s work in Ukraine” (NBC News)
  • “Republicans deepen investigation into Hunter Biden’s financial affairs” (The Hill)
  • “FBI document contains raw, unverified information about Hunter Biden” (Politico)
  • “Hunter Biden’s dealings with Burisma and alleged claims in the FD-1023 form” (Washington Examiner)
  • “White House response to the released FBI memo” (Reuters)
  • “Justice Department’s position on the whistleblower claims” (CBS News)
  • “U.S. Attorney David Weiss willing to testify before House panel” (CNN)
  • “Hunter Biden’s recent plea deal and GOP criticism” (ABC News)

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