
Special Counsel David Weiss has taken a strong stand against President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter, while the political fallout continues to unfold.
At a Glance
- David Weiss criticized President Biden for making “baseless accusations” about Hunter Biden’s investigation.
- Hunter Biden faced charges for lying on a firearm application and tax issues, leading to a pardon by his father.
- Republicans argue the pardon overlooks major allegations, fueling ongoing accusations of impropriety.
- Weiss defends the investigations as impartial and not politically influenced.
Weiss’s Critique of Presidential Intervention
David Weiss, appointed as special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2023, criticized President Biden for what he termed “incorrect” characterizations of the investigation against Hunter Biden. Weiss emphasized that questioning these rulings injects partisanship into the justice system, undermining its fairness and equity. Weiss highlighted that no previous presidents have used pardons against public servants based on false accusations.
Hunter Biden was convicted on three felony counts and pleaded guilty to nine tax charges. Despite these rulings, President Biden described the prosecution as “raw politics,” attributing the legal proceedings to his son’s status rather than merit-based justice. Republicans have strongly opposed the pardon, indicating it overlooked significant allegations, particularly under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Weiss Defends the Investigation
Weiss’s report rebutted President Biden’s statements and defended the integrity of the legal process. He maintained that his decisions were free from political influence, affirming the charges were brought purely because Hunter Biden broke the law. The investigation uncovered personal struggles in Hunter’s life, including addiction and alleged payments to escorts.
The report’s release coincided with impending findings by special counsel Jack Smith regarding Donald Trump. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer criticized the report as incomplete, suggesting potential corruption by the Biden administration. Moreover, the Justice Department faced scrutiny for selective prosecution motives, though multiple judges dismissed such claims.
The special counsel who spent years investigating Hunter Biden, criticized President Biden for making "baseless accusations" about his inquiry that threatened "the integrity of the justice system as a whole." @DevlinBarrett https://t.co/yfW6PPJQmQ
— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) January 13, 2025
Implications and Reactions
The anticipated release of Jack Smith’s report on Donald Trump adds further complexity to the political landscape. Meanwhile, the investigation’s revelations continue to magnify Hunter Biden’s connections and financial gains, often attributed to leveraging his family name. House Republicans have suggested President Biden may have leveraged the vice presidency for his family’s benefit, thus raising more questions about influence and propriety in the Biden administration.
Hunter Biden’s pardon, a controversial presidential move, resolves offenses within a ten-year span, potentially averting further charges for that duration. As the debates persist, the independence and impartiality of the American justice system are under examination, with both political sides weighing in on its fairness and application.
Sources:
- Hunter Biden special counsel David Weiss slams prez’s criticism as ‘gratuitous and wrong’ as he releases report on first son probe
- Special Counsel Slams Biden In Slim Report After Allowing Hunter To Escape Most Serious Charges