Attorney General Merrick Garland Defends Handling of Hunter Biden Probe
Merrick Garland (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
During Wednesday’s highly anticipated congressional hearing, Attorney General Merrick Garland skillfully avoided discussing the specifics of the investigation into Hunter Biden. However, he passionately defended his approach to the probe, leaving little doubt about his commitment to the case.
Garland repeatedly cited the need to protect “internal deliberations” in ongoing investigations as the reason for his silence. This frustrated Republicans who sought answers regarding the appointment of Delaware U.S. attorney David Weiss as special counsel and allegations of Weiss’s alleged mishandling of the Biden probe.
“I’m not going to get into the internal deliberations,” Garland firmly stated, refusing to divulge further information.
Despite his limited revelations, Garland vehemently asserted that he did not interfere with the investigation. “I’m gonna say again, and again if necessary, I did not interfere,” he emphasized during a heated exchange.
Both Garland and Weiss faced scrutiny following claims made by IRS agents Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, who alleged unusual decisions were made throughout the probe. They accused Weiss of initially supporting felony tax charges against Hunter Biden and claimed that others at the Justice Department prevented him from filing charges against the president’s son.
Republicans criticized Weiss after he entered into a plea agreement with Hunter Biden on misdemeanor tax charges, which later fell apart due to disagreements over the terms. This decision further fueled Republican concerns about Weiss’s handling of the case.
On August 11, Garland appointed Weiss as special counsel, a move that has sparked controversy among Republicans who believe Weiss has been lenient towards Biden. Garland cited “extraordinary circumstances” as the reason for this appointment but declined to elaborate during the hearing.
While Garland defended Weiss as a competent career prosecutor, he also portrayed him as the sole decision-maker in the case, stating, “Mr. Weiss was a supervisor of the investigation, at the time and at all times. He made the necessary [and] appropriate decisions.”
Republicans focused on Weiss’s decision to allow the statute of limitations to expire on tax charges against Hunter Biden for the years 2014 and 2015, during which he received substantial income from Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company. IRS agent Gary Shapley testified that Biden evaded taxes on this income by using shell companies.
Garland refused to address other contentious issues surrounding the case, such as the employment status of Weiss’s deputy, Lesley Wolf. IRS agents involved in the Hunter Biden probe claimed that Wolf obstructed their investigation into President Joe Biden’s involvement in his son’s dealings and even tipped off Hunter Biden’s attorneys about an FBI search of his storage locker.
How did Attorney General Garland emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the Hunter Biden probe is conducted without partisan interference
Exchange with Republican Representative Jim Jordan. Garland insisted that he and other Department of Justice (DOJ) officials followed proper procedures and maintained their independence throughout the investigation.
Garland’s defense was met with skepticism from some Republican lawmakers, who raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and political bias within the DOJ. They questioned whether Garland’s appointment as attorney general by President Joe Biden could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Representative Ken Buck spelled out his concerns, stating, “It is troubling that the person sitting at the top of the DOJ hierarchy was appointed by the very individual who was the subject of the investigation.” Other Republicans echoed this sentiment, questioning whether Garland could truly uphold the principles of justice and impartiality.
Garland, however, maintained that he would not allow partisan interference in the investigation. He stressed the importance of the rule of law and stated that he would enforce it without bias, regardless of the individuals involved. “I will make sure that our judgments are based on the facts and the law, and not politics,” he asserted.
While some Republicans may remain unconvinced, Garland’s performance during the hearing received praise from Democratic lawmakers. They commended his professionalism and the clarity with which he defended the DOJ’s actions in handling the Hunter Biden probe.
Democratic Representative Hank Johnson expressed his confidence in Garland, stating, “I have full faith in your ability to lead the DOJ and ensure that justice is served in a fair and impartial manner.” Other Democrats, including Representative Zoe Lofgren and Representative Jerrold Nadler, echoed this sentiment and expressed their support for Garland’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the DOJ.
Garland’s hearing marked an important moment in his tenure as attorney general. While he faced tough questioning and criticism from Republicans, he remained steadfast in his defense of the DOJ. His commitment to maintaining independence and upholding the rule of law is a testament to his dedication to justice.
As the Hunter Biden probe continues, it is clear that Attorney General Merrick Garland will play an important role in ensuring that the investigation is conducted without political interference. Only time will tell how the probe progresses and what further revelations may emerge, but there is no doubt that Garland’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the outcome.
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