Special counsel David Weiss’ office has strongly rejected claims from Hunter Biden’s attorneys that the federal tax charges against the president’s son are politically motivated.
In a series of legal filings submitted on Friday, Weiss’ office dismissed the notion that the charges were selectively pursued to appease Republicans, labeling such claims as “conspiratorial” and without substance.
Prosecutors emphasized that former President Trump is no longer in office and questioned how President Biden, the Attorney General, or the Special Counsel and his team could be influenced by Trump or Congressional Republicans.
Hunter Biden (Credits: CBS News)
Hunter Biden’s attorneys had previously argued in February that the case against him was part of a pattern of the Justice Department altering its charging decisions in response to political pressure. They also claimed that a plea agreement reached in July 2023 had been unfairly questioned by the judge.
However, prosecutors countered that the proposed agreement had not been finalized by U.S Probation and was therefore not in effect. They also defended Weiss’ appointment as special counsel, stating it followed historical practice, and rejected claims that funding for the investigation was unlawful.
Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to nine federal tax charges in January, with prosecutors alleging he evaded paying at least $1.4 million in federal taxes over four years. He has since repaid back taxes and fines, including $2 million to the federal government last year.
Hunter Biden (Credits: Newsweek)
The investigation into Hunter Biden began during the Trump administration and continued into the Biden administration. Republican-led congressional committees, as part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, scrutinized Hunter Biden’s finances and whether administration officials obstructed probes into him.
Hunter Biden has characterized the inquiry as a baseless political charade, denying any involvement by his father in his business dealings.
Rep. James Comer invited Hunter Biden to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in March, which his attorneys said they will respond to in writing. Critics argue that GOP-led committees have yet to produce evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden.
