In a decisive closed-door session with the Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee, U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss, who has levied criminal charges against Hunter Biden, affirmed the independence of his investigative actions, stating emphatically that "political considerations played no part" in the process.
Weiss, who also serves as the U.S. Attorney for Delaware, charged Hunter Biden with offenses related to illegal drug use and firearms possession, as well as failure to pay federal income taxes, to which the younger Biden has pled not guilty. Despite allegations from House Republicans of potential political interference from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Weiss maintained the integrity of his probe.
"At no time was I blocked, or otherwise prevented from pursuing charges or taking the necessary steps in the investigation," Weiss said, according to his opening remarks shared by the DOJ. This testimony directly addresses Republican speculation that Attorney General Merrick Garland, a Democratic appointee, could have influenced Weiss's decisions.
"I am, and have been, the decision-maker on this case," Weiss told the panel, asserting his investigative autonomy and dismissing the implications of political bias. Weiss, who was appointed during the Trump administration and continued under President Biden's term, was "promptly granted" special counsel status by Garland in August, allowing him to expand his charging authority beyond Delaware.
Contrasting with GOP claims of DOJ meddling, Weiss's testimony supports his complete control over the investigation, pushing back against whistleblower accounts that suggested otherwise. In response to queries about potential external pressures, Weiss remained firm, aligning with DOJ policy to abstain from discussing ongoing investigation specifics.
While Republican committee members like Matt Gaetz probed into the influences on Weiss's authority, seeking evidence of directive emails or meetings, Democratic lawmakers dismissed the session as redundant. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon called the hearing "an absolute waste of time," and NBC News reported Rep. Dan Goldman's criticism of Republicans' "misleading and repetitive questions."
Weiss's appearance marks a rare instance where a special counsel addresses Congress amid an active probe, a move some Democrats worry could complicate legal proceedings. The inquiry into Hunter Biden's conduct stands amid broader partisan battles, including an impeachment inquiry into President Biden championed by Republicans and former President Donald Trump, who faces his legal challenges.
Despite the charged political environment and the gravity of a presidential family member under scrutiny, Weiss's commitment to an apolitical and law-driven process underscores a cornerstone of the American legal system - the pursuit of justice unfettered by political influence, a narrative that continues to unfold as the case develops.
