The Hunter Biden investigation took a new turn on Tuesday as the prosecutor in charge, David Weiss, appeared before the House Judiciary Committee for a transcribed interview. This marks the first time a special counsel has testified before Congress in the midst of an ongoing probe. House Republicans, who have been deadlocked in their impeachment inquiry into the president and his family, are looking to escalate their efforts.
Weiss is facing Republican allegations that he lacked full authority in the years-long case involving the president’s son. In response, Weiss has chosen to testify before the conclusion of his investigation to clarify that he has maintained full control over the case and has the power to bring charges in any jurisdiction.
The decision to allow Weiss to testify before the investigation concludes is a rare move by the Justice Department, highlighting the seriousness with which it takes accusations of interference. Months of negotiations between Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and the Justice Department preceded Weiss’s appearance. Lawmakers had subpoenaed various investigators and attorneys involved in the Hunter Biden case.
In July, Weiss agreed to come to Capitol Hill to correct what he and the department saw as a misrepresentation of the investigation. However, he insisted on testifying in a public hearing, where he could directly respond to Republicans’ claims of wrongdoing. The Justice Department agreed to Weiss’s request for a public hearing, even after the collapse of a plea agreement that could have closed the case. However, they stipulated that Weiss could make only one appearance in the near future. Ultimately, a closed-door interview was agreed upon, with both Democratic and Republican members and their respective staff present.
During the interview, the focus is expected to be on the testimony of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent who alleged that the investigation into Hunter Biden was mishandled and deliberately delayed under Weiss’s leadership. Weiss, originally appointed by former President Donald Trump, has denied these allegations, asserting that he had the final say in the case.
Two other U.S. Attorneys from Washington and California testified in recent weeks that they did not impede Weiss from filing charges in their districts, although they chose not to collaborate with him. The IRS whistleblower, who testified publicly earlier this summer, maintains that his testimony reflects a pattern of interference and preferential treatment in the Hunter Biden case, rather than mere disagreements with superiors regarding investigative steps.
The GOP-led impeachment inquiry into the president has centered around questions about Hunter Biden’s business dealings. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, who has played a significant role in the inquiry, is expected to have a prominent role in the questioning of Weiss.
However, the extent of the information Weiss can provide to Congress remains uncertain. According to Justice Department policy and the law, he will be unable to discuss the specifics of his investigation. Typically, ongoing investigations are kept confidential to safeguard evidence, protect witnesses, and prevent defense attorneys from challenging the findings.
In the case of Hunter Biden, defense attorneys have already indicated their intention to challenge the gun charges he currently faces on various legal grounds. They have also suggested that political pressure influenced the decision to file those charges.
