Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, did not testify before Congress this week, despite a congressional subpoena. The move comes about a week after the First Son was indicted on a number of federal felony charges stemming from alleged non-payment of taxes.
Instead of testifying before congressional investigators, the younger Biden gave a press conference outside of Capitol Hill.
He said that Republicans investigating his actions “belittled my recovery, and they have tried to dehumanize me, all to embarrass my father, who has devoted his entire life to public service.”
He added that he had been a “target of the unrelenting Trump attack team” for six years.
What’s Hunter Biden so afraid of? https://t.co/7RSQbI3yxp
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) December 13, 2023
The First Son also said that his “father was not financially involved in my business.” Hunter Biden and businesses linked to the Biden family received millions in payments from other countries, including Russia, China and Ukraine. His statement was a change from earlier, complete denials.
Following the press conference, a number of members of Congress called for Hunter Biden to be held in contempt of Congress.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) wrote that the younger Biden could not “Have It Your Way when it comes to congressional subpoenas. Quit the stunts, make your way to the deposition room and let’s talk.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), who spoke amid the controversy in Washington Wednesday.
Previously, Hunter Biden’s attorneys said that their client would only testify if it was in a public session.
Last week, prosecutors charged the younger Biden on nine counts, including three felonies. Special counsel David Weiss accuses Hunter Biden of not paying taxes on multiple years’ worth of income, amounting to more than $1 million in shorted taxes.
In addition, the tax charges follow a federal firearms indictment by Weiss’ office earlier this year.
Hunter Biden was set to accept a plea deal this summer that would have likely avoided prison time for him. However, following the testimony of IRS whistleblowers and objections from the judge in the case, the current charges were filed.
