Special counsel David Weiss’ office has rejected claims from Hunter Biden’s attorneys that the federal tax charges against the president’s son are a politically-motivated prosecution. Prosecutors argue that the charges are not driven by politics and are not an attempt to appease Republicans. They dismissed the notion that former President Trump or Congressional Republicans are influencing the case, emphasizing that Trump is no longer in office.
In response to motions to dismiss the federal tax charges, Biden’s attorneys had argued that the case was influenced by political pressure and the Justice Department’s self-interest. However, prosecutors countered that the plea agreement on two misdemeanor tax charges and a diversion agreement had unraveled in court due to concerns about potential future charges. They also refuted claims that the appointment of Weiss as special counsel was unlawful and that funding for the investigation violated the Appropriations Clause.
Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to nine federal tax charges in January after prosecutors alleged he had engaged in a scheme to avoid paying over $1.4 million in federal taxes. Biden has since repaid back taxes and fines, including $2 million paid to the federal government with the help of a loan from his personal attorney. The investigation into Hunter Biden began during the Trump administration and continued into the Biden administration, spanning nearly six years.
Republican-led congressional committees have focused on Hunter Biden’s finances as part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Hunter Biden has dismissed the inquiry as a political charade and denied any involvement by his father in his business dealings. Rep. James Comer invited Hunter Biden to testify in a public hearing, to which his attorneys have indicated they will respond in writing. Critics argue that the GOP-led committees have not produced any evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden.
Overall, the legal filings and responses indicate a contentious legal battle over the federal tax charges facing Hunter Biden. Prosecutors have pushed back against claims of political motivations and unlawful actions, while Biden’s attorneys continue to argue that the case is politically driven. The investigation into Hunter Biden’s finances has become a focal point for Republican-led inquiries into President Biden, with both sides engaging in a heated debate over the validity and motivations behind the charges.
