Special Counsel David Weiss defended his handling of the Hunter Biden investigation in his final report, emphasizing his commitment to prosecuting based solely on facts and the law, without regard for political influence. Weiss responded to criticism from President Biden, who had issued a pardon for his son while citing political motivations and a miscarriage of justice. Weiss rejected these claims, asserting that other presidents had pardoned family members without maligning public servants.
The investigation, which began when Weiss was U.S. Attorney for Delaware, covered Hunter Biden’s tax evasion and gun charges. Weiss rejected claims of slow-walking the investigation, highlighting the significant legal steps taken, including Hunter Biden’s conviction on gun charges and his agreement to plead guilty to tax offenses. Weiss also detailed Hunter’s extravagant lifestyle and tax evasion through false business deductions, specifically related to $7 million in income and $1.4 million in unpaid taxes.
The president’s decision to intervene with a pardon came despite months of prior statements that he would not involve himself in his son’s legal matters. While Weiss stood firm on the integrity of his investigation, the matter became politically charged, with Republicans alleging political motivations, including accusations of bribery from a Ukrainian oligarch—claims that lacked evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden.
The report concluded with Weiss asserting that, despite external pressures and political commentary, his decisions were based solely on legal criteria. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) defended Weiss’s role, emphasizing the absence of political interference and asserting that Republican impeachment efforts were unfounded and partisan.