Hunter Biden’s attorney accuses GOP of spreading misinformation.
Hunter Biden’s Attorney Accuses House Republicans of Undermining the Law
Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, has accused House Republicans of engaging in a misinformation campaign to harm Hunter Biden and attack his father, President Joe Biden. In a 10-page letter addressed to Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Lowell alleges that Smith manipulated screenshots of WhatsApp messages to “feed the misinformation campaign” and damage Hunter Biden’s reputation. Lowell claims that Smith used these manipulated screenshots as a means to attack President Biden.
Obstruction of Investigation
Responding to Lowell’s letter, Rep. Jason Smith framed the complaint as an effort to obstruct their investigation and discredit the whistleblowers who had alleged misconduct and preferential treatment for Hunter Biden. Smith released transcripts from interviews with two IRS agents who claimed the Department of Justice’s investigation into Hunter Biden was mishandled. He also released an alleged WhatsApp message indicating that Hunter had used his father’s influence in a business deal with a Chinese energy company.
Attacks and Counterattacks
Smith’s release of the transcripts came shortly after Hunter Biden agreed to a plea deal for tax-related misdemeanors and a pretrial diversion agreement to avoid prosecution on a felony gun-related charge. This move angered Republicans who accused the DOJ of mishandling the investigation. In his letter, Lowell described IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley as “disgruntled” and suggested that he may be claiming that title to evade misconduct. Lowell also implied that Shapley was the source of leaks to the press about the Justice Department’s investigation into Hunter Biden.
Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) speaks as Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) listens during the testimony of Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young before a House Committee On The Budget hearing on “The President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget,” in Washington on March 29, 2022. (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)
Attempt to ‘Chill Our Investigation’: Smith
Rep. Jason Smith responded to Lowell’s letter, portraying it as an attempt to obstruct their investigation, discredit the whistleblowers, and mislead the public. Smith stated, “It’s little surprise that Hunter Biden’s attorneys are attempting to chill our investigation and discredit the whistleblowers who say they have already faced retaliation from the IRS and the Department of Justice despite statutory protections established by law.” Smith commended the IRS whistleblowers for their bravery in coming forward with allegations of misconduct and preferential treatment for Hunter Biden.
‘Complete Fakes’
Lowell also pointed out issues with the graphical presentation of WhatsApp messages shared by Smith on Twitter, claiming that they are “complete fakes.” The images, which were not actual screengrabs taken from a phone but rather a graphical recreation of how the texts might appear, contain inaccuracies. Lowell highlighted that one of the images included a photo of Hunter Biden from April 2022, long after the purported message was sent, and that the messages were portrayed in a blue bubble, while WhatsApp messages are typically in green.
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