In the wake of Hunter Biden's conviction on federal firearms charges, congressional Democrats have criticized their Republican counterparts, accusing them of hypocrisy and undermining the integrity of the justice system. Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty on Tuesday of making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm, making a false statement in a firearms transaction, and possessing a firearm while being a drug user or addict.
The verdict has sparked a sharp response from Democrats, who argue that it disproves Republican claims of a biased justice system. "My Republican friends have gone on and on about how Democrats have weaponized the Department of Justice, but their conspiracy theories crumbled this morning when Hunter Biden, the son of the president, was found guilty in a federal court on three gun-related charges," stated Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) echoed this sentiment, questioning how Republicans could maintain their claims of a two-tiered justice system. "How could you make the argument when this justice system has just handed down a verdict when it comes to the son of the President of the United States?" Durbin asked.
The Democrats contrasted the reactions to the convictions of Hunter Biden and former President Donald Trump. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) noted, "The Republicans are attacking our entire system of justice and the rule of law if they don't like the way that one case came out," while pointing out that Democrats have not cried foul over Hunter Biden's conviction.
The trial's outcome has highlighted the personal struggles of the Biden family, with Durbin acknowledging the broader impact of addiction on American families. "There were so many thousands of American families that have been hurt painfully by addiction," he said, adding that the First Family is no exception. "I know the president, it means so much to him personally, because of his love for his son. He and Jill have weathered this storm for many years. I'm sure their hearts are broken."
In a statement, President Biden expressed his continued support for his son, emphasizing Hunter's battle with addiction. "I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that," the president said.
The conviction of Hunter Biden has also undermined a central narrative of former President Trump, who has consistently claimed to be a victim of a weaponized legal system. While Biden refrained from interfering in his son's prosecution, Trump has been vocal in his attacks on the judiciary, prosecutors, and witnesses in his own legal battles. Trump's response to his conviction starkly contrasts with Biden's approach, as Trump lashed out at the verdict and threatened to use presidential powers for retribution if he regains office.
The Hunter Biden verdict also challenges the GOP's assertion that the Justice Department exclusively targets Republicans. Michael Zeldin, a former senior Justice Department official, remarked, "So much for the weaponization of the Justice Department to go after just the enemies of the other side. This is testament to the fact the Justice Department under Garland is trying its very best to steer straight down the middle as it should and bring people to trial that it thinks are worthy of prosecution."
Special Counsel David Weiss, who oversaw the Hunter Biden case, thanked Attorney General Merrick Garland for allowing him to operate independently. Weiss emphasized that "no one in this country is above the law," and that Hunter Biden should be treated no differently than any other citizen convicted of similar conduct.
The reactions from both sides of the political spectrum underscore the divergent views on the justice system's handling of high-profile cases. Ken Buck, a former Republican member of Congress, commended President Biden's approach. "He did a great job in trying to stay above the fray and recognizing that his Justice Department was in a very difficult position. People look at this case and realize it was done in an independent and fair way," Buck told CNN's Erin Burnett.
Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University history professor and CNN political analyst, highlighted the significant implications of the criminal convictions of both Trump and Hunter Biden. "Not only is Joe Biden saying, the decision is also one that comes from the courts, he's not saying he's going to use presidential power to somehow issue a pardon. And you contrast that with the former president who's attacked the legal system. He's questioned its legitimacy," Zelizer noted. "Voters will have to make a choice. What kind of response do they want? And what kind of person do they want in the Oval Office come January of 2025?"
Despite the clear implications of the Hunter Biden verdict, some Republicans remain steadfast in their criticisms. House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) described the trial as "a step toward accountability" but continued to suggest that the Justice Department was shielding President Biden. Similarly, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) vowed to persist in demanding accountability for the Biden family's business dealings, despite the lack of evidence produced by the House GOP impeachment probe.
The truth is unlikely to change the GOP Biden narrative. Stephen Miller, Trump's former White House domestic policy adviser, argued that the Justice Department had actually shown favoritism toward Hunter Biden by not charging him with 50 felonies over foreign influence peddling. Miller suggested that the department should pressure Hunter Biden to testify against his father.
Even more extreme were comments from Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a fervent supporter of Trump, who baselessly suggested on X that the verdict was an elaborate plot. "Hunter Biden just became the Deep State's sacrificial lamb to show that Justice is 'balanced' while the other Biden crimes remain ignored," she wrote.
