Biden appoints new White House lawyer amidst looming investigations and impeachment.
Ed Siskel Takes the Helm as White House Counsel at a Pivotal Moment
President Joe Biden finds himself embroiled in multiple investigations, with House Republicans ready to ramp up their inquiries and the looming possibility of an indictment for Hunter Biden.
Justice Department Appoints Special Counsel in Hunter Biden Case
The Justice Department has named David Weiss as special counsel for the Hunter Biden matter. However, this move may not be enough to deter House Republicans from pushing for impeachment as early as this fall.
The White House has maintained a policy of deferring comments on investigations involving the Bidens or former President Donald Trump to the Justice Department or the White House counsel’s office.
Bob Bauer serves as the president’s personal attorney.
The White House counsel’s office, led by spokesperson Ian Sams, has taken the lead in responding to House Republican investigations. Sams has been more assertive in this area compared to press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. If an impeachment inquiry does materialize on Capitol Hill, Siskel’s office will play a significant role in the impeachment war room.
Siskel brings valuable experience from his time as deputy counsel under former President Barack Obama when Biden served as vice president.
“That experience will prove invaluable once Kevin McCarthy and Jim Comer get the ball rolling,” said a Democratic strategist.
In a statement announcing the hire, Biden expressed confidence in Siskel’s abilities, stating, “Ed Siskel’s extensive experience in public service and his commitment to upholding the rule of law make him the perfect choice to serve as my next White House Counsel. His expertise will allow him to hit the ground running as a key leader on my team, as we continue to make progress for the American people every day.”
Siskel played a role in the White House’s response to two major scandals during the Obama administration: the Solyndra collapse and the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. Both incidents were heavily investigated by House Republicans, with Benghazi resulting in American casualties and Solyndra becoming a symbol of the intersection between Obama’s green jobs agenda and crony capitalism.
During his time as corporation counsel under Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Siskel frequently clashed with the Trump administration, particularly regarding immigration enforcement in the city. Chicago sued the administration as Trump sought to crack down on sanctuary cities.
“He possesses the ideal temperament for this role. He remains composed and level-headed under pressure, yet incredibly resilient,” said former White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler, who previously worked with Siskel. “He’s the person you want by your side in the trenches.”
Born in 1972, the same year Biden was first elected to the Senate from Delaware, Siskel earned his bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and graduated from the University of Chicago Law School. He is the nephew of the renowned film critic Gene Siskel, known for his partnership with Roger Ebert.
Siskel also has experience as a former federal prosecutor. Prior to returning to the White House, he served as chief counsel at Grosvenor Holdings LLC, owned by Democratic megadonor Michael Sacks. Siskel took over as Biden’s top White House lawyer, replacing Stuart Delery.
In addition to his role as White House counsel, Siskel will play a crucial part in the judicial nomination process. Biden aims to reshape the conservative majority on the Supreme Court, which has ruled against him in several high-profile cases. Despite a slim Senate majority, Biden has successfully confirmed numerous lower court nominees and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
However, it is the battles with House Republicans that will likely dominate the upcoming year as Biden prepares for his reelection campaign.
The White House believes that any impeachment attempt will ultimately backfire on Republicans leading up to the 2024 election, especially considering the potential government shutdown triggered by a spending fight. To support this belief, Biden’s team has circulated a list of GOP impeachment skeptics, including some conservative members currently serving in Congress.
While individual lawmakers like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) have already introduced their own impeachment resolutions, McCarthy has indicated that any action would require a vote by the entire House.
“If we move forward with an impeachment inquiry, it would occur through a vote on the floor of the People’s House and not through a declaration by one person,” McCarthy told Breitbart.
Regardless of the political landscape, Siskel would find himself in the midst of an election-year impeachment battle.
It would certainly be a dramatic return to the White House.
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